含义

• Pinyin: hán yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 含 = 今 (now, phonetic) + 口 (mouth) — to hold inside; 义 = simplified from 義, meaning righteousness or meaning

Meaning

Meaning; implication; connotation. The underlying or intended sense of a word, phrase, or action.

More formal and analytical than 意思. Used to discuss deeper significance or implied meaning in academic, literary, or analytical contexts. Common collocations include 深层含义 (deeper meaning), 象征含义 (symbolic meaning), and 真正的含义 (true meaning). Often appears in textbook discussions and formal writing.

Examples

1. 这个词在不同的语境中有不同的含义。 This word has different meanings in different contexts.
2. 老师让我们分析这首诗的含义。 The teacher asked us to analyse the meaning of this poem.
3. 你明白他这句话的含义吗？ Do you understand the implication of what he said?

Usage Guide

Context: academic, literary, analysis

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 你理解这句话的含义吗？(Do you understand the meaning of this sentence?)
• 这个符号有特殊的含义。(This symbol has a special meaning.)

Don't Say

• 这个字的含义是什么 (For the basic dictionary definition of a character, use 意思 instead — 含义 implies deeper or implied significance)

Origin & History

含 (hán, to contain) + 义 (yì, meaning/righteousness) — literally 'contained meaning,' referring to the sense held within words or actions.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal