Meaning of 意义
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- sense
- meaning
- significance
- importance
Measure word: 個|个
How to use 意义
意义 is used for the significance or value of an event, action, or life, and also for the meaning of a word in a formal sense. It often appears in phrases like 有意义 (yǒu yìyì, meaningful) and 没有意义 (méiyǒu yìyì, pointless). Example: 这次旅行很有意义。(Zhè cì lǚxíng hěn yǒu yìyì.) This trip was very meaningful.
意义 (yìyì) pairs 意 (yì), the meaning or intention in your heart, with 义 (yì), which is about what is right and proper. Together they describe the deeper meaning or significance of something, not just its surface sense.
Common mistake: Learners often mix up 有意义 (yǒu yìyì, meaningful, significant) and 有意思 (yǒu yìsi, interesting, fun). A funny movie is 有意思, while volunteering work that matters is 有意义.
意义 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
意 yì · thought · 13 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
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- 13
义 yì · right conduct · 3 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
Related words
Words that share a character with 意义.
| 意思 | yìsi | idea; opinion |
| 愿意 | yuànyì | to wish; to want |
| 不好意思 | bù hǎoyìsi | to feel embarrassed; to find it embarrassing |
| 有意思 | yǒu yìsi | interesting; meaningful |
| 意见 | yìjiàn | idea; opinion |
| 满意 | mǎnyì | satisfied; pleased |
| 故意 | gùyì | deliberately; on purpose |
| 注意 | zhùyì | to take note of; to pay attention to |
| 同意 | tóngyì | to agree; to consent |
| 主意 | zhǔyi | plan; idea |
| 生意 | shēngyi | life force; vitality |
| 意外 | yìwài | unexpected; accident |
Questions about 意义
What does 意义 mean?
意义 (yìyì) means "sense; meaning" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 意义?
意义 is made of 2 characters: 意 (13 strokes), 义 (3 strokes). That is 16 strokes in total.
Is 意义 an HSK word?
Yes. 意义 is on the HSK 3 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 意义 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 意义 is written 意義.
What is the difference between 意义 and 意思?
意思 (yìsi) is the everyday word for what something means, like the meaning of a word or what someone intends. 意义 (yìyì) is more formal and usually points to importance or deeper significance. You ask 这个字是什么意思？ for a word's meaning, but talk about 历史意义 (lìshǐ yìyì) for historical significance.
Are both syllables in 意义 pronounced with the fourth tone?
Yes, both are fourth tone: yì yì. Say each syllable with a clear falling tone, making the second one slightly lighter. Do not reduce it to a neutral tone the way the second syllable of 意思 (yìsi) often is.