意义

• Pinyin: yì yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 意 = 音 (sound) + 心 (heart); 义 = simplified from 義, meaning righteousness

Meaning

Meaning; significance. Refers to the value, importance, or deeper sense behind something.

Used to describe the deeper value or purpose of actions, events, or concepts. Often appears in discussions about life, work, or cultural matters. Can refer to both literal meaning of concepts and abstract significance. Distinct from 意思, which is for dictionary definitions or surface-level meaning.

Examples

1. 这件事对我来说有特别的意义。 This matter has special significance to me.
2. 学习外语的意义不仅是交流，还有了解不同的文化。 The significance of learning a foreign language is not just communication, but also understanding different cultures.
3. 你觉得这个活动有什么意义？ What do you think is the significance of this activity?

Usage Guide

Context: education, philosophy, everyday

Tone: thoughtful

Do Say

• 这件事对我来说意义重大。(This matter is of great significance to me.)
• 生活的意义是什么？(What is the meaning of life?)

Don't Say

• 这个字的意义是什么？(When asking about the meaning of a word, use 意思 instead of 意义 — 意义 refers to deeper significance, not dictionary definitions)

Origin & History

意 (idea, meaning) + 义 (righteousness, meaning). Together they form a word meaning 'significance' or 'meaning.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal