有意

• Pinyin: yǒu yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 有 = 有 (have); 意 = 音 + 心 (intention)

Meaning

To have the intention; intentionally; deliberately. As an adverb, on purpose or with interest.

Indicates deliberate intent behind an action or interest in pursuing something. Can describe both positive intentions (interested in buying) and negative ones (deliberately causing trouble).

Examples

1. 他有意竞选学生会主席。 He intends to run for student council president.
2. 她有意无意地看了我一眼。 She glanced at me, intentionally or not.
3. 这家公司有意扩大海外市场。 This company plans to expand into overseas markets.

Usage Guide

Context: intentions, interest, negotiations

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 如果你有意购买，我们可以商量价格。(If you are interested in purchasing, we can negotiate the price.)
• 他有意拖延会议的进程。(He deliberately delayed the progress of the meeting.)

Don't Say

• 我有意不知道 — contradictory; 有意 implies intentionality, incompatible with not knowing

Origin & History

有 (have) + 意 (intention)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal