意味着

• Pinyin: yì wèi zhe
• Hanzi breakdown: 意 = 音 (sound) + 心 (heart), meaning/intention; 味 = 口 (mouth) + 未, taste/meaning; 着 = aspect marker

Meaning

To mean; to signify; to imply. Indicates what something represents or suggests.

Used to explain the significance or implications of a situation, action, or statement. Often introduces consequences or deeper meanings. Common in analysis, commentary, and explanations. The subject is usually a situation, event, or abstract concept.

Examples

1. 这项政策的出台意味着行业将迎来重大变革。 The introduction of this policy signifies that the industry will undergo major changes.
2. 选择创业意味着你要承担更多的风险和责任。 Choosing to start a business means you have to take on more risks and responsibilities.
3. 沉默有时候意味着同意。 Silence sometimes means consent.

Usage Guide

Context: analysis, explanation, implications

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 这意味着什么？(What does this mean?)
• 成功意味着付出。(Success means making sacrifices.)

Don't Say

• 我意味着你 (意味着 needs an abstract subject — use 我的意思是 to say 'I mean')

Origin & History

Compound of 意味 (meaning, significance) and 着 (progressive/continuous aspect marker). Together they form a verb meaning 'to signify.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated