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March 24, 2026
主意zhǔyi(zhu3yi5)
主意 (zhǔyì) refers to an idea, plan, or decision that someone considers important. It is commonly used in discussions about strategies, opinions, or suggestions, often in both personal and professional contexts.
Frequency#548DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, having a 主意 is often seen as a sign of initiative and responsibility, particularly in group settings where collaborative decision-making is valued. Sharing your 主意 can also reflect your engagement in discussions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'main idea' (主) being the 'key' (意) to a door of opportunities. Visualize holding a key that unlocks different plans or ideas in your mind, helping you remember the pronunciation and meaning.
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AI Study Notes for 主意
Quick Contrast
主张 (zhǔzhāng) vs. 意见 (yìjiàn) — choose 主意 when referring to a specific idea or plan, while 主张 emphasizes a stance or assertion, and 意见 focuses on an opinion or suggestion.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'main idea' (主) being the 'key' (意) to a door of opportunities. Visualize holding a key that unlocks different plans or ideas in your mind, helping you remember the pronunciation and meaning.
Usage Notes
Learners should be cautious not to confuse 主意 with similar terms like 意见 (yìjiàn), which means 'opinion.' While 主意 focuses on a concrete idea or plan, 意见 emphasizes a suggestion or viewpoint. It's informal, so use it in casual conversations.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, 主意 connects with other vocabulary related to opinions and suggestions, such as 意见 (yìjiàn) and 计划 (jìhuà). Students should focus on using it in sentences to express their thoughts effectively.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, having a 主意 is often seen as a sign of initiative and responsibility, particularly in group settings where collaborative decision-making is valued. Sharing your 主意 can also reflect your engagement in discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 主意 with 计划 (jìhuà), using it incorrectly in contexts where a formal plan is needed. For example, saying '我的主意是明天出发' (Wǒ de zhǔyì shì míngtiān chūfā) is incorrect for 'My plan is to leave tomorrow.' Use 计划 instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 主意
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Grammar Patterns of 主意
主意 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
It might be an idea to detox after the indulgences of Christmas.
3
我想开玩笑是他的主意，真是个淘气鬼。
wǒ xiǎng kāi wán xiào shì tā de zhǔ yì， ， zhēn shì gè táo qì。
It's his idea of a joke, I suppose, the scallywag.
4
早早就提前下单是个好主意。
zǎo zǎo jiù tí qián xià dān shì gè hǎo zhǔ yì。
It is a good idea to place your order well in advance.
5
把水泡挑破不是个好主意。
bǎ shuǐ pào tiāo pò bù shì gè hǎo zhǔ yì。
It is not a good idea to burst a blister.
6
我想：“哇，多好的主意呀。”
wǒ xiǎng：“ ：“， wā ， duō hǎo de zhǔ。”
I thought, "Wow, what a good idea".
7
多么好的主意！
duō mó hǎo de zhǔ yì！
What a terrific idea!
8
她告诉我她有个好主意。
tā gào sù wǒ tā yǒu gè hǎo zhǔ yì。
She told me she'd had a brilliant idea.
9
这部书里有无数好主意。
zhè bù shū lǐ yǒu wú shù hǎo zhǔ yì。
The book is a cornucopia of good ideas.
10
这真是绝妙的好主意！
zhè zhēn shì jué miào de hǎo zhǔ yì！
That's a darned good idea!
Cultural Notes for 主意
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, having a 主意 is often seen as a sign of initiative and responsibility, particularly in group settings where collaborative decision-making is valued. Sharing your 主意 can also reflect your engagement in discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 主意
You can say, '我有一个好主意' (Wǒ yǒu yīgè hǎo zhǔyì) which means 'I have a good idea.'
It's better suited for informal settings; for formal discussions, consider using 意见 (yìjiàn) instead.
No, it can also refer to plans or ideas in a professional context.
