Meaning of 观念
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- notion
- thought
- concept
- sense
- views
- ideology
- general impressions
How to use 观念
观念 is a noun for deep-set ideas, values, or ways of thinking, often held by a group or a generation. It often appears with words like 传统 (chuántǒng, traditional), 新 (xīn, new), or verbs like 改变 (gǎibiàn, to change). Example: 他的观念很传统。(Tā de guānniàn hěn chuántǒng.) His way of thinking is very traditional.
观 (guān) means to look or view, as in 观看 (guānkàn), and 念 (niàn) means to think of or keep in mind, as in 纪念 (jìniàn). A 观念 is the way you look at things that stays in your mind, so it is your notion or idea about the world.
Common mistake: Learners often use 观念 where 观点 (guāndiǎn) fits better. 观点 is a specific opinion on one issue, while 观念 is a broader, longer-held belief or mindset. Say 我的观点是… for 'my view is…', not 我的观念是….
观念 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.
观 guān · to observe · 6 strokes
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念 niàn · to read · 8 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 观念.
| 观点 | guāndiǎn | point of view; viewpoint |
| 参观 | cānguān | to visit (a place, e.g. museum or factory); to tour; to look around |
| 观众 | guānzhòng | spectators; audience; visitors (to an exhibition etc) |
| 观察 | guānchá | to observe; to watch; to survey |
| 纪念 | jìniàn | to commemorate; to honor the memory of; memento; keepsake; souvenir |
| 观看 | guānkàn | to watch; to view |
| 概念 | gàiniàn | concept; idea |
| 乐观 | lèguān | optimistic; hopeful |
| 客观 | kèguān | objective; impartial |
| 想念 | xiǎngniàn | to miss; to remember with longing |
| 怀念 | huáiniàn | to cherish the memory of; to think of |
| 信念 | xìnniàn | faith; belief |
Questions about 观念
What does 观念 mean?
观念 (guānniàn) means "notion; thought" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 观念?
观念 is made of 2 characters: 观 (6 strokes), 念 (8 strokes). That is 14 strokes in total.
Is 观念 an HSK word?
Yes. 观念 is on the HSK 3 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 观念 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 观念 is written 觀念.
What are common phrases with 观念?
Very common ones are 传统观念 (chuántǒng guānniàn, traditional ideas), 时间观念 (shíjiān guānniàn, sense of punctuality), and 观念改变了 (guānniàn gǎibiàn le, ways of thinking have changed). 时间观念 is useful in daily life, for example 他没有时间观念 means he is never on time.
Is 观念 the same as 想法?
Not quite. 想法 (xiǎngfǎ) is any idea or thought, even a passing one, like an idea for dinner. 观念 is more formal and refers to settled beliefs or values, such as ideas about marriage or money.