涵义

• Pinyin: hán yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 涵 = 氵+ 函 — to contain; 义 = 羊 (sheep/good) + 我 (I) — righteousness, meaning

Meaning

Meaning; connotation — the deeper or implied significance of a word, symbol, or concept.

Slightly more formal than 含义, with an emphasis on depth and layers of meaning. Used in philosophical, literary, and analytical contexts to explore the fuller or underlying significance beyond the surface definition.

Examples

1. 这首诗语言简练，但其涵义却极为深刻，历代学者对此有不同的解读和诠释。 The language of this poem is concise, but its meaning is profoundly deep, and scholars through the ages have offered different interpretations.
2. 教师在讲解这个法律术语时，重点阐释了其在不同司法语境下的具体涵义和适用范围。 When explaining the legal term, the teacher focused on its specific meaning and scope of application in different judicial contexts.
3. 这幅画作表面上是一幅田园风光，但其背后的政治涵义在当时引发了广泛的争议与讨论。 On the surface, this painting depicts pastoral scenery, but its political meaning sparked widespread controversy and debate at the time.

Usage Guide

Context: linguistics, literature, law, philosophy

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 要准确理解这一概念的涵义，必须将其置于特定的历史背景和文化传统中加以考察。(To accurately understand the meaning of this concept, it must be examined within its specific historical context and cultural tradition.)
• 学者们对这段经典文献的涵义争论已久，至今仍未形成统一的学术共识。(Scholars have debated the meaning of this classical text for a long time without reaching any unified academic consensus.)

Don't Say

• 涵义 for a surface dictionary definition — 涵义 implies depth and layers; for a basic definition use 定义 or 意思

Origin & History

涵 (to contain, to encompass) + 义 (meaning, righteousness) — the meaning contained within

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal