心意

• Pinyin: xīn yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 心 = heart (pictograph); 意 = 音 + 心 (the heart giving shape to a thought)

Meaning

Intention; good wishes; regard; the sentiment behind a gift or gesture. What one intends to express through words or actions.

Commonly used in gift-giving contexts (这是我的一点心意). Also used to discuss someone's true intentions or the emotional weight behind an act.

Examples

1. 礼物不在贵重，重要的是那份心意。 The value of a gift isn’t in its price—it’s the thought that counts.
2. 他明白父母的心意，只是一时难以接受。 He understood what his parents meant, but he still couldn’t accept it at the moment.
3. 这是朋友们凑份子买的，小小心意，请笑纳。 This is a small token from all of your friends—we chipped in together. Please accept it.

Usage Guide

Context: gift-giving, social interaction, personal expression

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 这份礼物算不上贵重，但这是我们全体同事的一点心意，希望你喜欢。(This gift is nothing precious, but it represents a small token of regard from all of us colleagues, and we hope you like it.)
• 我理解你的心意，你是希望我能够更加注重自身的身体状况，这份关心我铭记于心。(I understand your intentions — you hope I will pay more attention to my own physical condition, and I take this concern to heart.)

Don't Say

• 我心意你 — 心意 is a noun; say 这是我的心意 or 我有心意送你礼物

Origin & History

心 (heart) + 意 (intention/meaning) — the intention of the heart

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal