故意

• Pinyin: gù yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 故 = 古 (ancient) + 攵 (action); 意 = 音 (sound) + 心 (heart) — 'the sound of the heart,' i.e. intention

Meaning

Deliberately; on purpose; intentionally. Indicates an action was done with conscious intent.

Often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying someone did something wrong or annoying on purpose. The opposite is 不小心 (accidentally).

Examples

1. 他故意不告诉我这件事。 He deliberately didn't tell me about this.
2. 你是故意的还是不小心的？ Did you do it on purpose or by accident?
3. 她故意说错了我的名字。 She deliberately said my name wrong.

Usage Guide

Context: accusations, explanations, describing intent

Tone: accusatory, emphatic

Do Say

• 他故意迟到的。(He was late on purpose.)
• 我不是故意的。(I didn't do it on purpose.)

Don't Say

• 不要在表达善意时用故意 — 故意 often implies negative intent. For positive intentional actions, consider using 特意 (specially, specifically) instead.

Origin & History

Compound of 故 (reason, cause, deliberately) and 意 (intention, meaning), meaning 'with deliberate intention.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal