有意思

• Pinyin: yǒu yì si
• Hanzi breakdown: 有 = 'to have'; 意 = intention/meaning; 思 = to think — together 意思 means 'meaning/interest'

Meaning

Interesting; fun; amusing. Describes something that is engaging, entertaining, or thought-provoking.

Literally 'has meaning/interest.' A very common way to say something is interesting or fun. The opposite is 没意思 (boring/pointless). Can describe books, movies, people, activities, or situations. More colloquial than 有趣.

Examples

1. 这本书非常有意思。 This book is very interesting.
2. 他是一个很有意思的人。 He is a very interesting person.
3. 我觉得学中文很有意思。 I think learning Chinese is very interesting.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, conversation

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 这个游戏真有意思！(This game is really fun!)
• 你说的话很有意思。(What you said is very interesting.)

Don't Say

• 这个问题有意思对了。(Don't combine 有意思 with 对了 — they serve different functions. Just say 这个问题很有意思.)

Origin & History

Phrase combining 有 (to have) and 意思 (meaning/interest), literally 'has interest' — i.e., is engaging or amusing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal