主意
zhǔ yi HSK 4

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我有一个好主意。
Wǒ yǒu yīgè hǎo zhǔyi.
I have a good idea.
这个主意真不错。
Zhège zhǔyi zhēn bùcuò.
This idea is really good.
他的主意很聪明。
Tā de zhǔyi hěn cōngmíng.
His idea is very clever.
我有一个主意。
Wǒ yǒu yī gè zhǔyi.
I have an idea.
这个主意很好。
Zhège zhǔyi hěn hǎo.
This idea is very good.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 主 (zhǔ) means 'main' or 'master,' and 意 (yì) means 'meaning' or 'intention.' Think of it as the 'main intention' or 'master idea' you have in mind to guide your actions.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in tone and commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, across formal and informal contexts. It frequently appears in discussions about making choices, solving problems, or expressing opinions, such as in personal conversations or business settings.

📖 Grammar Points

主意 is typically used as a noun and can be modified by adjectives (e.g., 好主意). Common verb-noun patterns include: 出 + 主意 (to propose an idea), 改变 + 主意 (to change one's mind), and 拿 + 主意 (to make a decision). It often follows possessive pronouns like 我的主意 (my idea).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, offering 主意 is seen as a way to show care or wisdom, especially in group settings where collective problem-solving is valued. However, being too insistent with one's 主意 might be viewed as stubborn, so polite phrasing like 你觉得这个主意怎么样? (What do you think of this idea?) is common.

🔄 Similar Words

主意 often overlaps with 想法 (xiǎngfǎ, 'thought' or 'idea'), but 主意 emphasizes a more concrete plan or decision, while 想法 is broader and can refer to any thought or opinion. 决定 (juédìng) means 'decision' and is more formal, focusing on the act of deciding rather than the idea itself.

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