意思

意思 as 'meaning' (noun): 意思 (yìsi) can be used to refer to the meaning of a word, phrase, or sentence. It can also refer to the meaning or significance of an event or action.

这个词是什么意思？ (Zhège cí shì shénme yìsi?) What does this word mean?

有意思 (yǒu yìsi) - 'interesting' (adjective): When preceded by 有 (yǒu), 意思 forms the adjective 'interesting.' This is a common way to express that something is enjoyable or engaging.

这本书很有意思。(Zhè běn shū hěn yǒu yìsi.) This book is very interesting.

没意思 (méi yìsi) - 'boring' / 'uninteresting' (adjective): Conversely, when preceded by 没 (méi), 意思 forms the adjective 'boring' or 'uninteresting.'

这个电影真没意思。(Zhège diànyǐng zhēn méi yìsi.) This movie is really boring.

不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi) - 'to feel embarrassed' / 'excuse me' (idiomatic expression): This is a very common idiomatic expression used to apologize for a minor inconvenience, express embarrassment, or politely interrupt someone.

不好意思，我迟到了。(Bù hǎo yìsi, wǒ chídào le.) Excuse me, I'm late.

什么意思？ (shénme yìsi?) - 'What do you mean?' (question): This is a direct way to ask for clarification when you don't understand what someone is saying or implying.

你这话是什么意思？(Nǐ zhè huà shì shénme yìsi?) What do you mean by that?