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March 24, 2026
意图(意圖)yìtú(yi4tu2)
意图 (yìtú) refers to a person's intention or plan behind an action. It is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts to express what someone aims to achieve or convey, often implying deeper motivations or purposes behind actions.
Frequency#5574DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, understanding someone's 意图 can be crucial in interpersonal relationships, as people may not always express their true intentions directly, reflecting the value placed on subtlety and indirect communication.
Memory Tip
Think of 意 (yì) as 'meaning' and 图 (tú) as 'diagram'—together, they represent the 'diagram of one's meaning' or intention. Picture an artist sketching their ideas on a canvas to visualize their intent.
Meanings of 意图
yìtú(yi4tu2)
1intent
2intention
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 意图
意图Simplified
意圖Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5574Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 意图
Podcast: 意图
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AI Study Notes for 意图
Quick Contrast
意图 (yìtú) vs 目的 (mùdì) — use 意图 to emphasize the underlying intention behind an action, while 目的 focuses on the specific goal or outcome.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 意 (yì) as 'meaning' and 图 (tú) as 'diagram'—together, they represent the 'diagram of one's meaning' or intention. Picture an artist sketching their ideas on a canvas to visualize their intent.
Usage Notes
意图 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its connotation; it can imply a hidden or ulterior motive if used in certain contexts. Common collocations include '表达意图' (to express intention) and '意图不轨' (malicious intent).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 意图 connects to other words about intention and purpose, such as 目的 (mùdì, purpose) and 意愿 (yìyuàn, willingness). Focus on how to use it in complex sentences that express nuanced intentions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, understanding someone's 意图 can be crucial in interpersonal relationships, as people may not always express their true intentions directly, reflecting the value placed on subtlety and indirect communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 意图 with 目的; for example, saying '我的意图是去旅行' (My intent is to travel) instead of the more appropriate '我的目的是去旅行' (My purpose is to travel) can lead to ambiguity. Always keep in mind that 意图 carries a more nuanced connotation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 意图
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Grammar Patterns of 意图
意图 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
他们为什么不能不再闪烁其词，说出他们真正的____呢？
Why don't they stop pussyfooting around and say what they really mean?
Example Sentences for 意图 (7)
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1
他们为什么不能不再闪烁其词，说出他们真正的意图呢？
tā mén wéi shí mó bù néng bù zài shǎn shuò qí cí， ， shuō chū tā mén zhēn zhèng de yì tú？
Why don't they stop pussyfooting around and say what they really mean?
2
对他的意图我有几分怀疑.
duì tā de yì tú wǒ yǒu jī fēn huái yí.
I'm somewhat suspicious of his intentions.
3
她的书不无为自己作传的意图。
tā de shū bù wú wéi zì jǐ zuò chuán de yì tú。
Her book is not without autobiographical meaning.
4
他们很大程度上误读了选民的意图。
tā mén hěn dà chéng dù shàng wù dú le xuǎn mín de yì tú。
They largely misread the mood of the electorate.
5
但是黛西猜到了他的意图.
dàn shì dài xī cāi dào le tā de yì tú.
But Daisy guessed at his intention.
6
我们猜不出他的意图.
wǒ mén cāi bù chū tā de yì tú.
We could not puzzle out his intentions.
7
工程师绘制了一幅这座桥的示意图.
gōng chéng shī huì zhì le yī fú zhè zuò qiáo de shì yì tú.
The engineer drew a diagram of the bridge.
Cultural Notes for 意图
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, understanding someone's 意图 can be crucial in interpersonal relationships, as people may not always express their true intentions directly, reflecting the value placed on subtlety and indirect communication.
Frequently Asked Questions about 意图
Yes, it can be used in both formal discussions and casual conversations to refer to someone's intention.
意图 refers to the intent behind an action, while 目的 is more about the end goal or purpose.
Yes, it is often used in legal discussions to describe a person's intent in actions, especially in contract law.
