思维

• Pinyin: sī wéi
• Hanzi breakdown: 思 = 田 (field) + 心 (heart), thinking in one's heart; 维 = 纟(silk) + 隹 (bird), to tie/maintain

Meaning

Thinking; thought process; way of thinking.

Refers to the process or patterns of thinking. Used in discussions about cognitive abilities, logical reasoning, creative thinking, and mental approaches. Common in educational, psychological, and professional contexts. More abstract than 想法 (idea) or 思想 (thought/ideology).

Examples

1. 学习编程可以培养逻辑思维能力。 Learning programming can develop logical thinking abilities.
2. 他的思维很活跃，总能想出有创意的点子。 His thinking is very active — he can always come up with creative ideas.
3. 换一种思维方式来看这个问题，也许能找到新的解决办法。 Try looking at this problem with a different way of thinking — maybe you'll find a new solution.

Usage Guide

Context: education, psychology, professional

Tone: intellectual

Do Say

• 他的思维很敏捷。(His thinking is very sharp.)
• 培养批判性思维很重要。(Cultivating critical thinking is important.)

Don't Say

• 我思维去商店 — 思维 is a noun for thinking patterns; for the action of thinking, use 想 or 考虑

Origin & History

Compound of 思 (to think) + 维 (to maintain/tie together), meaning the process of connecting thoughts.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal