介意

• Pinyin: jiè yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 介 = between — to concern oneself; 意 = 音 + 心 — thought, intention

Meaning

To mind; to take offense; to care about. Being bothered or concerned by something.

Most commonly used in questions or negative statements. Very polite way to ask permission or express that something doesn't bother you. 你介意吗？ is a standard polite way to ask 'Do you mind?'

Examples

1. 你介意我在这里抽烟吗？ Do you mind if I smoke here?
2. 他从不介意别人怎么评价他。 He never minds what others think of him.
3. 如果你不介意的话，我想问你一个私人问题。 If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you a personal question.

Usage Guide

Context: social, permission, politeness

Tone: considerate

Do Say

• 你介意我坐这里吗？(Do you mind if I sit here?)
• 我不介意。(I don't mind.)

Don't Say

• 在非问句中直接说'我介意' (Don't say 我介意 abruptly as a statement — it sounds confrontational; soften with 我有点介意 or explain why)

Origin & History

Composed of 介 (to concern oneself with) + 意 (thought; intention). Together they describe having concerns or reservations about something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal