旨在

• Pinyin: zhǐ zài
• Hanzi breakdown: 旨 = 匕 + 日 (spoon + sun — pointing toward something, hence purpose); 在 = lies in

Meaning

To aim at; to be intended for. A formal expression indicating the purpose or goal of an action or policy.

A highly formal conjunction used in official documents, academic writing, and policy announcements. Introduces the intended purpose: 该政策旨在... (this policy aims to...). More formal than 目的是 or 为了.

Examples

1. 这项改革旨在提高行政效率，减轻企业负担。 This reform is intended to improve administrative efficiency and reduce the burden on businesses.
2. 研讨会旨在促进学术交流，推动科研合作。 The seminar is intended to promote academic exchange and advance research collaboration.
3. 新规定旨在保护消费者权益，规范市场秩序。 The new regulations are intended to protect consumer rights and standardize market order.

Usage Guide

Context: policy, academic, official documents

Tone: official

Do Say

• 本次活动旨在提升公众的环保意识。(This event aims to raise the public's environmental awareness.)
• 该法案旨在从根本上解决医疗资源分配不均的问题。(This bill aims to fundamentally solve the problem of unequal distribution of medical resources.)

Don't Say

• 我旨在吃午饭 — far too formal for personal intentions; use 我打算 or 我想 for casual purposes

Origin & History

旨 (purpose/aim) + 在 (lies in) — the purpose lies in

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal