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March 24, 2026
意义(意義)yìyì(yi4yi4)
意义 (yìyì) refers to the sense or significance of something, encompassing its meaning and importance. It is commonly used in contexts like discussing the meaning of literature, the importance of an event, or the significance of a decision.
Frequency#871DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 意义 is often tied to discussions about life, philosophy, and morality, reflecting a deeper quest for understanding one's place in the world, especially in traditional teachings like Confucianism.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 意 (yì) as a person (亻) with a heart (心) trying to understand the meaning of life. The repetition in 意义 (yìyì) emphasizes that understanding meaning often requires deep contemplation or 'double-checking' our feelings about it.
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AI Study Notes for 意义
Quick Contrast
意义 (yìyì) vs 含义 (hányì) — use 意义 when emphasizing the significance or importance of something, while 含义 focuses more on the implied or underlying meaning.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of the character 意 (yì) as a person (亻) with a heart (心) trying to understand the meaning of life. The repetition in 意义 (yìyì) emphasizes that understanding meaning often requires deep contemplation or 'double-checking' our feelings about it.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 意义 with related terms like 意思 (yìsi), which refers more to the idea or implication rather than the broader sense of significance. This term is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure proper tones are used to convey the right meanings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 意义 connects well with other vocabulary around understanding and interpretation, such as 解释 (jiěshì, explanation) and 重要性 (zhòngyàoxìng, importance). Focus on how this word fits into discussions about significance and context in conversations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 意义 is often tied to discussions about life, philosophy, and morality, reflecting a deeper quest for understanding one's place in the world, especially in traditional teachings like Confucianism.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 意义 with 重要性 (importance), thinking they are interchangeable; however, 意义 focuses more on meaning. For example, saying '这件事情的重要性是显而易见的' (The importance of this matter is obvious) is incorrect if the intent is to discuss its meaning rather than its importance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 意义
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Grammar Patterns of 意义
意义 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我真的不理解这到底有什么____，简直是愚蠢透顶。
I don't see the point in it really. It's just stupid.
Example Sentences for 意义 (10)
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1
我真的不理解这到底有什么意义，简直是愚蠢透顶。
wǒ zhēn de bù lǐ jiě zhè dào dǐ yǒu shí mó yì yì， ， jiǎn zhí shì yú chǔn tòu。
I don't see the point in it really. It's just stupid.
2
政客们贬低了“自由”一词的意义。
zhèng kè mén biǎn dī le“ “ zì” yóu ” yī cí de。
Politicians have debased the meaning of the word "freedom"
3
从所有这一切中得出的教训可能具有更广泛的意义。
cóng suǒ yǒu zhè yī qiē zhōng dé chū de jiào xùn kě néng jù yǒu gēng guǎng fàn de yì yì。
The lesson from all of this is perhaps a broader one.
Instead of rushing at life, I wanted something more meaningful.
Cultural Notes for 意义
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 意义 is often tied to discussions about life, philosophy, and morality, reflecting a deeper quest for understanding one's place in the world, especially in traditional teachings like Confucianism.
Frequently Asked Questions about 意义
You might say, '这件事情的意义很重大' (The significance of this matter is very important).
Yes, 意义 can refer to both abstract concepts, like the meaning of life, and more concrete things, like the importance of a cultural artifact.
It can be used in both registers, but it's more common in formal discussions, such as academic or philosophical contexts.
