如意

• Pinyin: rú yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 如 = 女 + 口 (follow/as if); 意 = 音 (sound) + 心 (heart) — the heart's inner voice, hence wish/intention

Meaning

As one wishes; satisfactory; according to one's desires. Also refers to a traditional ornamental sceptre symbolising good fortune.

In everyday use: 称心如意 (perfectly satisfying), 万事如意 (may everything go as you wish — a common blessing). The 如意 sceptre is a traditional Chinese good luck symbol made of jade, bone, or metal, often given as a gift. In modern usage, 如意 appears most naturally in set phrases and blessings.

Examples

1. 新年伊始，亲友们互赠祝福，愿彼此在新的一年里万事如意，平安喜乐。 At the start of the new year, friends and family exchange blessings, wishing one another that everything goes as desired in the coming year, with peace and joy.
2. 这段婚姻虽然是父母撮合的，但两人却出人意料地过得十分称心如意。 Although the marriage was arranged by their parents, the two of them have unexpectedly lived very happily and contentedly together.
3. 博物馆展出的那件清代玉制如意工艺精湛，雕刻细腻，堪称国宝级文物。 The Qing-dynasty jade ruyi on display at the museum is exquisitely crafted with delicate carving, truly a national-treasure-level artifact.

Usage Guide

Context: blessings, cultural, daily life, festivals

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 在中国传统文化中，如意是一种重要的吉祥器物，承载着人们对幸福美满生活的深切祈愿。(In traditional Chinese culture, the ruyi sceptre is an important auspicious object, embodying people's heartfelt wishes for a happy and fulfilling life.)
• 无论面临何种挑战，他总是保持乐观态度，相信只要努力付出，终将事事如意。(No matter what challenges he faces, he always maintains an optimistic attitude, believing that as long as one works hard, everything will ultimately go as wished.)

Don't Say

• 这道菜做得如意 — use 满意 or 称心 to express that food or work is satisfying; standalone 如意 as a predicate adjective sounds archaic or awkward

Origin & History

如 (as/according to) + 意 (will/wish/intention) — as one's will dictates; hence satisfying or auspicious

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal