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B1 noun #1,500 most common 11 min read

意义

yiyi Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 意义 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 意义 in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, learners are primarily focused on basic survival Chinese, such as greetings, numbers, and simple daily requests. The word 意义 (yìyì) is generally considered too abstract and complex for standard A1 curricula. Beginners are taught the word 意思 (yìsi) first, which is used to ask 'What does this mean?' (这个是什么意思？). However, an ambitious A1 learner might encounter 意义 as part of a fixed, memorized phrase, specifically 没意义 (méi yìyì), meaning 'pointless' or 'meaningless.' At this stage, learners do not need to understand the grammatical nuances of abstract nouns. They simply memorize that if they want to express that doing something is a waste of time or has no point, they can say 没意义. For example, if a friend suggests watching a movie that the learner knows is terrible, they might shake their head and say '没意义'. Teachers at this level should emphasize that 意义 is not used for translating words. If a student points to an English word and asks for the Chinese equivalent, they must use 意思, not 意义. Introducing 意义 too early can cause confusion, so it is best kept as a supplementary vocabulary item tied strictly to the concept of 'pointlessness' or 'value' in very simple, highly contextualized scenarios.

As learners progress to the A2 level, their ability to express opinions and describe daily routines expands. At this stage, 意义 (yìyì) can be formally introduced, but its usage should be restricted to simple evaluations of activities and hobbies. A2 learners are taught the fundamental construction 有意义 (yǒu yìyì - meaningful) and 没有意义 (méiyǒu yìyì - meaningless). They learn to use these phrases to describe things they like or dislike doing. For instance, a student might say '学中文很有意义' (Learning Chinese is very meaningful) or '打游戏没有意义' (Playing video games is meaningless). The focus is on using 意义 as an object of the verb 有 (to have). Teachers should guide students to understand that 有意义 functions similarly to an adjective in English, even though grammatically it is a verb-noun phrase in Chinese. A2 learners also begin to practice modifying nouns with this phrase, using the structural particle 的 (de). They learn to construct sentences like '这是一本有意义的书' (This is a meaningful book). While they may not yet grasp the deep philosophical or historical implications of the word, they can effectively use it to express personal values and preferences in everyday situations, adding a layer of maturity to their spoken Chinese.

The B1 level is where 意义 (yìyì) truly shines and becomes an active, frequently used part of the learner's vocabulary. At this intermediate stage, learners are expected to discuss abstract concepts, express detailed opinions, and understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters. 意义 is crucial for these tasks. B1 learners expand their use of 意义 beyond simple personal preferences to evaluate broader societal, educational, and professional topics. They learn to pair 意义 with intensifiers like 非常 (extremely) and 特别 (especially). More importantly, they are introduced to the powerful sentence pattern '...的意义在于...' (...the significance of... lies in...). This structure allows them to articulate the core purpose of an action or event. For example, '环保的意义在于保护地球' (The significance of environmental protection lies in protecting the earth). At the B1 level, learners also begin to encounter compound nouns featuring 意义, such as 教育意义 (educational significance) and 现实意义 (practical significance). They are taught to distinguish clearly between 意义 (significance/value) and 意思 (literal meaning/interest), a common area of confusion that is actively corrected at this stage. Mastery of 意义 at B1 enables learners to engage in meaningful debates, write cohesive essays, and express complex thoughts with greater fluency and accuracy.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners are dealing with more complex texts, news reports, and abstract discussions. Their use of 意义 (yìyì) becomes more sophisticated and nuanced. They move away from relying solely on the basic 有/没有 (have/not have) verbs and start incorporating formal verbs that pair with 意义, such as 具有 (to possess), 失去 (to lose), and 赋予 (to endow). A B2 learner is expected to understand and produce sentences like '这项新政策具有深远的意义' (This new policy possesses profound significance). They also become comfortable with a wider range of adjectives modifying 意义, such as 重大 (major), 深远 (profound), 积极 (positive), and 历史 (historical). In reading comprehension, B2 learners frequently encounter 意义 in journalistic and academic contexts, where it is used to analyze the impact of events. They learn to recognize the subtle differences between 意义 and its near-synonyms like 价值 (value), 作用 (function), and 含义 (implication). In spoken Chinese, they can use 意义 to discuss existential topics, such as 人生的意义 (the meaning of life), or to critique societal trends. The word becomes a tool for critical thinking and advanced argumentation, allowing B2 learners to express themselves with a level of formality and precision that closely mimics educated native speakers.

At the C1 advanced level, learners possess a high degree of fluency and can use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. The use of 意义 (yìyì) at this stage is highly refined and deeply integrated into complex sentence structures. C1 learners manipulate 意义 effortlessly in formal writing, debates, and professional presentations. They are familiar with idiomatic expressions and fixed collocations involving 意义, such as 毫无意义 (utterly meaningless) and 具有里程碑意义 (having milestone significance). They can seamlessly transition between the literal and figurative uses of the word. In academic or professional contexts, a C1 learner might write, '该研究不仅在理论上填补了空白，更具有重要的实践意义' (This research not only fills a theoretical gap but also possesses important practical significance). They understand the sociolinguistic nuances of the word, knowing when its use might sound overly pretentious in casual conversation and when it is absolutely necessary for conveying gravitas. C1 learners also engage with Chinese literature and philosophy, where 意义 is a central theme. They can analyze texts, discussing the 象征意义 (symbolic meaning) of literary devices or the 时代意义 (significance of the era) of a historical movement, demonstrating a profound cultural and linguistic mastery.

The C2 level represents near-native proficiency. At this pinnacle of language learning, the understanding and application of 意义 (yìyì) are indistinguishable from those of an educated native Chinese speaker. C2 learners do not just use the word correctly; they exploit its full rhetorical potential. They can play with the concept of 意义 in creative writing, philosophical discourse, and high-level negotiations. They intuitively grasp the most subtle shades of meaning, effortlessly distinguishing it from all related terms (含义, 意蕴, 价值, 旨趣) based on the exact contextual requirements. A C2 speaker might engage in a deep philosophical debate about nihilism, arguing about the inherent 意义 (or lack thereof) of human existence, using complex, multi-clause sentences without hesitation. They are adept at using 意义 in highly specialized domains, such as legal or scientific contexts, where the precise definition of 'significance' is critical. Furthermore, they can recognize and appreciate the historical evolution of the word and its cultural weight in Chinese thought. At the C2 level, 意义 is no longer just a vocabulary item to be learned; it is a fundamental conceptual tool used to analyze, deconstruct, and articulate the most complex ideas within the Chinese linguistic and cultural framework.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

意义 in 30 Seconds

Meaning or significance.
Value or importance of an action.
The deeper purpose of something.
Used to say if something is worthwhile.

The Chinese vocabulary word 意义 (yìyì) is an essential noun that bridges the gap between intermediate and advanced Chinese language proficiency. At its core, 意义 translates to 'meaning,' 'significance,' 'importance,' or 'value.' However, to truly understand when and how native speakers use this word, one must look beyond simple dictionary translations and explore its philosophical and practical applications in daily life. Unlike simpler words that refer to the literal definition of a character or a sentence, 意义 delves into the deeper purpose or the overarching value of an action, an event, or a concept. When people use 意义, they are often evaluating whether something is worth doing, whether an historical event left a lasting impact, or whether a particular lifestyle brings fulfillment. For English speakers learning Chinese, mastering 意义 is a significant milestone because it allows you to participate in more complex, abstract, and intellectually stimulating conversations. You will frequently hear this word in discussions about career choices, educational pursuits, historical analyses, and personal relationships.

Core Meaning: The fundamental significance, value, or deeper purpose of an action, object, or concept, distinct from a mere dictionary definition.

做这件事没有任何意义。

In everyday conversation, you might hear someone complain about a tedious task by saying it lacks 意义. This means the task feels pointless or devoid of value. Conversely, when someone volunteers for a charity or achieves a lifelong dream, they might describe the experience as highly meaningful, using phrases like 很有意义 (very meaningful). The versatility of 意义 allows it to scale from casual complaints about boring homework to profound philosophical debates about the meaning of life (人生的意义).

寻找人生的意义是一个漫长的过程。

Furthermore, 意义 is heavily utilized in academic and formal contexts. When reading Chinese news articles, history books, or scientific journals, you will constantly encounter this term. Authors use it to explain why a particular discovery matters or how a new policy will impact society.

Historical Context: Used to describe the lasting impact of events, such as 历史意义 (historical significance).

这项发明具有深远的意义。

It is important to recognize that 意义 often pairs with specific adjectives to create powerful collocations. Words like 重大 (major/significant), 深远 (profound/far-reaching), and 积极 (positive) frequently precede 意义.

Practical Value: Refers to the real-world usefulness of an action, known as 现实意义 (practical significance).

这部电影的教育意义大于娱乐价值。

By integrating 意义 into your vocabulary, you demonstrate a mature grasp of the Chinese language. It shows that you are not just translating words literally, but that you understand the cultural emphasis on purpose, value, and societal contribution. Whether you are evaluating a piece of art, discussing a career move, or analyzing a political event, 意义 provides the linguistic framework necessary to express complex evaluations of worth and importance.

不要做那些毫无意义的争论。

Using 意义 (yìyì) correctly in sentences requires an understanding of its grammatical behavior as an abstract noun. In Chinese sentence structures, 意义 functions primarily as the object of a verb or as the subject of a descriptive sentence. It does not act as an adjective or a verb on its own, though it can be modified by adjectives or combined with verbs to form meaningful phrases. One of the most common ways to use 意义 is with the verb 有 (yǒu - to have) or 没有 (méiyǒu - to not have). When you want to say that something is meaningful, you literally say it 'has meaning' (有意义).

Verb Pairing: 有 / 没有: The most basic and frequent construction. 'Subject + 有/没有 + 意义' means 'Subject is meaningful/meaningless.'

我觉得这份工作很没意义。

You can intensify this by adding adverbs like 很 (hěn - very), 非常 (fēicháng - extremely), or 特别 (tèbié - especially) before 有意义. For example, 这是一件非常有意义的事情 (This is an extremely meaningful thing to do). Notice how 有意义 functions almost like an adjective phrase modifying 事情 (thing) through the particle 的 (de).

这是一次有意义的旅行。

In more formal or written Chinese, you will encounter verbs like 具有 (jùyǒu - to possess), 赋予 (fùyǔ - to endow with), and 失去 (shīqù - to lose) paired with 意义. 具有 is the formal equivalent of 有, often used in news or academic writing. For instance, 这项政策具有深远的意义 (This policy possesses profound significance).

Formal Verbs: Use 具有 (possess), 赋予 (endow), or 失去 (lose) with 意义 in written or professional contexts.

传统节日被赋予了新的时代意义。

Another crucial grammatical pattern involves using 意义 as the subject of the sentence, often followed by 在于 (zàiyú - lies in). This structure is perfect for explaining the core purpose or value of something. For example, 旅行的意义在于体验不同的文化 (The significance of travel lies in experiencing different cultures). This is a highly sophisticated sentence pattern that instantly elevates your spoken and written Chinese.

生命的意义在于不断探索。

You can also categorize 意义 by placing descriptive nouns before it, such as 历史意义 (historical significance), 现实意义 (practical significance), 象征意义 (symbolic meaning), or 教育意义 (educational value). These compound phrases are treated as single noun units in a sentence.

Compound Nouns: Combine a category noun with 意义 to specify the type of significance, e.g., 象征意义 (symbolic meaning).

这个仪式有着重要的象征意义。

By mastering these sentence structures—using 有/没有 for casual speech, 具有/赋予 for formal writing, the 在于 pattern for explanations, and compound nouns for specificity—you will be able to deploy 意义 accurately and naturally across a wide range of conversational and literary contexts.

The word 意义 (yìyì) is ubiquitous in the Chinese-speaking world, permeating various layers of society, from casual daily interactions to the highest levels of academic and political discourse. Understanding where and how this word appears naturally will help you anticipate its usage and comprehend its nuances in real-time. One of the most common places you will hear 意义 is in the workplace or educational environments. Employees and students frequently discuss whether a particular project, assignment, or meeting has any real value.

Workplace & School: Used to evaluate the usefulness or productivity of tasks, meetings, and assignments.

开这种毫无意义的会纯粹是浪费时间。

In these settings, 意义 is often tied to efficiency and purpose. If a task does not contribute to the overall goal, it is deemed 没意义 (meaningless). Beyond the mundane, you will frequently encounter 意义 in media, particularly in news broadcasts, documentaries, and journalism. Reporters and commentators use it to frame the importance of current events.

这次两国元首的会晤具有跨时代的意义。

In literature, film, and art criticism, 意义 is a cornerstone vocabulary word. Critics and audiences discuss the deeper messages conveyed by a director or author. They might debate the 象征意义 (symbolic meaning) of a specific prop in a movie or the 现实意义 (practical/contemporary significance) of a classic novel in today's society.

Art & Literature: Employed to analyze themes, symbols, and the societal impact of creative works.

这部小说的深刻意义在于它揭露了人性的弱点。

On a more personal and emotional level, 意义 is central to conversations about mental health, life goals, and personal fulfillment. People often talk about 寻找人生的意义 (searching for the meaning of life) or feeling that their current lifestyle lacks 意义. This existential usage is common in deep conversations among friends, in therapy sessions, or in self-help literature.

帮助他人让我觉得生活充满了意义。

Finally, you will hear 意义 in romantic contexts, particularly during breakups or serious relationship talks. A partner might say 继续在一起已经没有意义了 (There is no point in staying together anymore).

Relationships: Used to express whether a relationship still holds value or purpose for the individuals involved.

如果我们互不信任，这段感情就没有意义了。

By tuning your ear to these specific contexts—workplace efficiency, news broadcasts, artistic analysis, existential reflections, and relationship dynamics—you will quickly realize that 意义 is not just a vocabulary word, but a lens through which Chinese speakers evaluate the world around them.

When learning the word 意义 (yìyì), English speakers frequently stumble into a few predictable pitfalls. Because English uses the word 'meaning' to cover a wide variety of concepts—from the definition of a word in a dictionary to the philosophical purpose of life—learners often assume that 意义 can be used in all these situations. This assumption leads to the most common and glaring mistake: confusing 意义 with 意思 (yìsi).

The Dictionary Mistake: Using 意义 to ask for the literal definition or translation of a word or sentence.

❌ 错误: 这个词的意义是什么？
✅ 正确: 这个词的意思是什么？

If you ask a native speaker '这个词的意义是什么？' (What is the yìyì of this word?), they might look confused and start explaining the profound historical or cultural significance of the word, rather than just giving you the translation. For literal definitions, always use 意思. Another frequent error is grammatical. Learners often try to use 意义 directly as an adjective, similar to how 'meaningful' works in English.

❌ 错误: 这是一个很意义的活动。
✅ 正确: 这是一个很有意义的活动。

A third common mistake involves the negative form. In English, we say 'meaningless' or 'pointless'. Learners sometimes try to translate this by saying 不意义 (bù yìyì), which is grammatically incorrect because 不 negates verbs and adjectives, not nouns.

Negation Error: Using 不 (bù) instead of 没/没有 (méi/méiyǒu) to negate 意义.

❌ 错误: 那样做是不意义的。
✅ 正确: 那样做是没有意义的。

Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with collocations, pairing 意义 with inappropriate verbs. For example, you cannot 'do' a meaning (做意义) or 'make' a meaning (做意义) in the English sense of 'making sense'. If you want to say 'that makes sense', the phrase is 有道理 (yǒu dàolǐ), not 有意义.

❌ 错误: 你的解释很有意义。(When meaning: Your explanation makes sense)
✅ 正确: 你的解释很有道理。

Lastly, overusing 意义 in casual conversation can make you sound overly dramatic or philosophical. If a friend asks why you do not want to eat at a certain restaurant, replying '去那里吃饭没有意义' (Eating there has no meaning/significance) sounds incredibly heavy. It is better to use simpler expressions like 不想去 (don't want to go) or 没意思 (boring/not fun).

Tone and Register: Using 意义 for trivial matters sounds unnatural and overly serious.

✅ 正确: 讨论这种小事毫无意义。(Appropriate use for emphasizing pointlessness).

By being mindful of these distinctions—especially the difference between 意义 and 意思, the correct grammatical structures for adjectives and negation, and the appropriate tone—you can avoid the most common traps and use 意义 with native-like precision.

In the rich tapestry of the Chinese language, several words orbit the concept of 'meaning' and 'significance.' While 意义 (yìyì) is a powerful and versatile noun, knowing its synonyms and related terms allows you to express yourself with greater nuance and precision. The most immediate and necessary distinction to make is between 意义 and 意思 (yìsi). As discussed previously, 意思 refers to the literal definition, thought, or basic idea of something. It is the word you use when looking up a translation or asking what someone meant by a specific comment.

意思 (yìsi) vs. 意义 (yìyì): 意思 is literal definition or intention; 意义 is deeper significance or value.

这句话的表面意思是这样，但深层意义却不同。

Another closely related word is 含义 (hányì). 含义 translates to 'implication,' 'hidden meaning,' or 'connotation.' While 意义 focuses on the value or importance, 含义 focuses on the specific message embedded within a text, a symbol, or a gesture. If a poet uses a red rose in a poem, the 含义 is love or passion, but the 意义 of the poem might be to critique societal norms.

你能解释一下这个标志的特殊含义吗？(Can you explain the special implication of this logo?)

When discussing the worth or usefulness of something, 价值 (jiàzhí - value) is a strong alternative to 意义. In many contexts, they are interchangeable. For example, you can say 这份工作没有意义 (This job has no significance) or 这份工作没有价值 (This job has no value). However, 价值 often leans more towards economic, practical, or quantifiable worth, whereas 意义 leans towards emotional, philosophical, or historical importance.

价值 (jiàzhí) - Value: Focuses on worth, often practical or monetary, though it can be abstract.

这件古董不仅有经济价值，更有历史意义。

If you are talking about the function or effect of something, 作用 (zuòyòng - function/effect) is another excellent alternative. If a new medicine is introduced, its 作用 is to cure the disease, but its 意义 is that it saves millions of lives and advances medical science.

这个部件虽然小，但起到的作用很大。

Finally, for a more formal or literary expression of 'purpose' or 'aim', you might encounter 目的 (mùdì). The 目的 is the specific goal you are trying to achieve, while the 意义 is the broader significance of achieving that goal.

目的 (mùdì) - Purpose/Goal: The specific objective of an action, distinct from its broader significance.

我们这次活动的目的是筹款，但其深远意义是唤起公众意识。

By understanding the subtle boundaries between 意义, 意思, 含义, 价值, 作用, and 目的, you can navigate complex Chinese conversations with confidence, choosing the exact word that captures your intended thought.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Chinese philosophy, 义 (righteousness) was a core Confucian virtue. Because 'righteousness' involves doing what is proper and valuable, the character naturally extended to mean the 'proper value' or 'significance' of an action, which is why 意义 carries a much heavier, more philosophical weight than just 'dictionary definition'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /jiː jiː/

US /ji ji/

Both syllables are stressed equally, with a sharp falling pitch on both: YÌ-YÌ.

Rhymes With

记忆 (jìyì - memory) 会议 (huìyì - meeting) 建议 (jiànyì - suggestion) 争议 (zhēngyì - controversy) 同意 (tóngyì - agree) 利益 (lìyì - interest/benefit) 友谊 (yǒuyì - friendship) 翻译 (fānyì - translation)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it with a flat tone (1st tone) instead of a falling tone (4th tone).
Confusing the pronunciation with 意思 (yìsi), which has a neutral tone on the second syllable.
Making the 'i' sound too short, like the 'i' in 'it'. It should be a long 'ee' sound.
Pronouncing the 'y' as a hard consonant. In Pinyin, 'yi' is just the vowel 'i' (ee).
Failing to separate the two syllables clearly, blending them into one long 'yee'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 6/5

Frequently appears in news and literature. Easy to recognize but requires understanding of compound structures.

Writing 7/5

The characters 意 and 义 are common, but using 意义 correctly with formal verbs like 具有 or 赋予 takes practice.

Speaking 5/5

Easy to use in the basic '有/没有意义' structure for daily conversation.

Listening 6/5

Can be confused with 意思 (yìsi) or 异议 (yìyì - objection) if context is not clear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

意思 (meaning) 有 (have) 没有 (not have) 觉得 (think/feel) 事情 (thing)

Learn Next

价值 (value) 目的 (purpose) 作用 (function) 影响 (impact) 深刻 (profound)

Advanced

意蕴 (implication) 真谛 (true essence) 旨趣 (purport) 赋予 (endow) 里程碑 (milestone)

Grammar to Know

Noun as Adjective Equivalent (有 + Noun)

有意义 (meaningful). In Chinese, abstract nouns often pair with 有 to function like English adjectives.

Formal Possession (具有 + Noun)

具有重大意义 (possesses major significance). Use 具有 instead of 有 in written or formal contexts.

The 'Lies In' Structure (...在于...)

意义在于学习 (The significance lies in learning). Used to pinpoint the exact core or purpose of something.

Absolute Negation (毫无 + Noun)

毫无意义 (utterly meaningless). 毫无 is a formal way to say 'not have a single trace of'.

Passive Voice with Abstract Nouns (被赋予)

被赋予了新的意义 (was endowed with new meaning). Used when society or history gives meaning to an object.

Examples by Level

这个没意义。

This is meaningless/pointless.

Subject + 没 (negative) + 意义 (noun).

做这个有意义吗？

Is there any point in doing this?

Verb + 这个 + 有意义 + 吗 (question particle).

我觉得没意义。

I think it's pointless.

我 (I) + 觉得 (think) + 没意义.

很有意义。

Very meaningful.

很 (very) + 有意义.

那没有意义。

That has no meaning.

那 (that) + 没有 (does not have) + 意义.

有意义的事。

A meaningful thing.

有意义 + 的 (particle) + 事 (thing).

这有什么意义？

What is the point of this?

这 (this) + 有什么 (has what) + 意义.

不，没意义。

No, it's pointless.

Simple negation response.

学中文很有意义。

Learning Chinese is very meaningful.

Verb phrase (学中文) as subject + 很有意义.

这是一本有意义的书。

This is a meaningful book.

Adjective phrase (有意义的) modifying noun (书).

我觉得看电视没有意义。

I think watching TV is pointless.

Expressing opinion with 觉得 + action + 没有意义.

他做了一件有意义的事。

He did a meaningful thing.

Verb (做) + 了 (completed action) + 一件有意义的事.

去旅行很有意义。

Traveling is very meaningful.

Action (去旅行) + 很有意义.

我们应该做有意义的工作。

We should do meaningful work.

Modal verb (应该) + 做 + 有意义的工作.

吵架是没有意义的。

Arguing is pointless.

Action (吵架) + 是...的 (emphasis structure).

这个周末过得很有意义。

This weekend was spent very meaningfully.

Verb (过) + 得 (complement particle) + 很有意义.

生命的意义在于不断探索。

The meaning of life lies in continuous exploration.

Subject + 的意义 + 在于 (lies in) + Action.

这部电影具有深刻的教育意义。

This movie has profound educational significance.

Formal verb 具有 + Adjective (深刻的) + Compound noun (教育意义).

你明白这句话的真正意义吗？

Do you understand the true meaning of this sentence?

Noun phrase (这句话的真正意义) as the object of 明白.

不要把时间浪费在毫无意义的事情上。

Don't waste time on utterly meaningless things.

Idiom 毫无意义 modifying 事情.

这次会议没有任何实际意义。

This meeting has no practical significance whatsoever.

没有任何 (not have any) + 实际意义 (practical significance).

寻找人生的意义是一个漫长的过程。

Searching for the meaning of life is a long process.

Verb phrase (寻找人生的意义) acting as the subject.

这项发明对人类有重大的意义。

This invention has major significance for humanity.

Prepositional phrase (对人类) + 有重大的意义.

虽然很累，但我觉得这份工作很有意义。

Although it's tiring, I think this job is very meaningful.

Conjunction (虽然...但...) linking two clauses.

这项新政策的实施具有深远的历史意义。

The implementation of this new policy has profound historical significance.

Complex subject + 具有 + 深远的历史意义.

我们不能仅仅为了赚钱而工作，还要追求工作的内在意义。

We shouldn't work just to make money; we must also pursue the intrinsic meaning of the work.

内在意义 (intrinsic meaning) as a specific concept.

传统节日被赋予了新的时代意义。

Traditional festivals have been endowed with new contemporary significance.

Passive voice (被) + 赋予 (endowed) + 时代意义.

如果失去了信任，任何合作都将失去意义。

If trust is lost, any cooperation will lose its meaning.

Conditional clause (如果) + 失去意义 (lose meaning).

作者通过这个角色，传达了小说的象征意义。

Through this character, the author conveyed the symbolic meaning of the novel.

象征意义 (symbolic meaning) used in literary analysis.

探讨这个哲学问题在现实中究竟有多大意义？

How much significance does discussing this philosophical question actually have in reality?

Rhetorical question using 有多大意义 (how much significance).

环保不仅是口号，更具有迫切的现实意义。

Environmental protection is not just a slogan; it has urgent practical significance.

不仅是...更具有... (not only... but also possesses...).

他的一生都在为寻找生命的终极意义而奋斗。

He spent his whole life striving to find the ultimate meaning of life.

为...而奋斗 (strive for) + 终极意义 (ultimate meaning).

该条约的签署标志着两国关系迈入了一个具有里程碑意义的新阶段。

The signing of the treaty marks the entry of bilateral relations into a new phase of milestone significance.

具有里程碑意义 (having milestone significance) modifying 新阶段.

在虚无主义的语境下，探讨个体存在的意义显得尤为艰难。

In the context of nihilism, discussing the meaning of individual existence appears particularly difficult.

Academic phrasing: 在...语境下 (in the context of) + 存在的意义.

这部经典的伟大之处在于其跨越时代的普世意义。

The greatness of this classic lies in its universal significance that transcends eras.

普世意义 (universal significance) modified by a complex clause.

脱离了具体的历史条件去评价历史人物，是毫无客观意义的。

Evaluating historical figures divorced from specific historical conditions has no objective significance.

Subject clause + 是 + 毫无客观意义的.

科学研究的意义往往不在于即时的应用，而在于拓展人类认知的边界。

The significance of scientific research often lies not in immediate application, but in expanding the boundaries of human cognition.

不在于...而在于... (lies not in... but in...).

语言不仅是交流的工具，更是文化传承的重要载体，其意义不言而喻。

Language is not only a tool for communication but also an important carrier of cultural inheritance; its significance is self-evident.

Idiom 不言而喻 (self-evident) describing 意义.

过度解读文本的细节，有时反而会消解作品原本的审美意义。

Over-interpreting the details of a text can sometimes actually dissolve the original aesthetic significance of the work.

消解 (dissolve/deconstruct) + 审美意义 (aesthetic significance).

改革的深层意义在于打破固有的利益藩篱，激发社会活力。

The deep-seated significance of the reform lies in breaking down inherent interest barriers and stimulating social vitality.

深层意义 (deep-seated significance) + 在于 + complex verb phrases.

对意义的解构本身，或许正是后现代主义思潮中最具颠覆性的意义所在。

The deconstruction of meaning itself is perhaps where the most subversive significance of postmodernist thought lies.

Philosophical use: 意义的解构 (deconstruction of meaning) and 意义所在 (where the significance lies).

在浩瀚的宇宙尺度面前，人类汲汲以求的世俗意义往往显得微不足道。

Faced with the vast scale of the universe, the secular meaning that humanity anxiously pursues often appears insignificant.

世俗意义 (secular meaning) contrasted with cosmic scale.

任何试图用单一维度去框定生命意义的企图，最终都会陷入教条主义的泥沼。

Any attempt to frame the meaning of life using a single dimension will ultimately sink into the quagmire of dogmatism.

框定生命意义 (frame the meaning of life) in a highly abstract sentence.

历史的吊诡之处在于，那些当时看似毫无意义的偶然事件，往往构成了历史转折的枢纽。

The paradox of history is that those seemingly meaningless accidental events at the time often constitute the pivots of historical turning points.

看似毫无意义 (seemingly meaningless) used as a modifier.

艺术作品的阐释空间是无限的，其意义在每一次读者的凝视中被不断重塑与生成。

The interpretive space of an artwork is infinite; its meaning is constantly reshaped and generated in every gaze of the reader.

Passive structure: 意义在...中被重塑与生成 (meaning is reshaped and generated in...).

摒弃了宏大叙事后，微观个体的日常抗争被赋予了前所未有的政治意义。

After discarding grand narratives, the daily struggles of micro-individuals have been endowed with unprecedented political significance.

前所未有的政治意义 (unprecedented political significance).

当符号的能指与所指发生断裂时，传统语境下的意义传达便遭遇了根本性的危机。

When a rupture occurs between the signifier and the signified of a symbol, the transmission of meaning in traditional contexts encounters a fundamental crisis.

Linguistic/Semiotic context: 意义传达 (transmission of meaning).

真正的智者，能够在无意义的荒诞中，凭借自身的意志确立起属于自己的存在意义。

A true wise person is able to, amidst meaningless absurdity, establish their own meaning of existence relying on their own will.

无意义的荒诞 (meaningless absurdity) and 存在意义 (meaning of existence).

Synonyms

价值重要性内涵含义作用

Antonyms

琐碎无聊

Common Collocations

有意义

毫无意义

重大意义

历史意义

现实意义

深远意义

失去意义

寻找意义

象征意义

赋予意义

Common Phrases

没意义

— Pointless; meaningless. Used to dismiss an action as a waste of time.

跟他解释也没意义，他听不进去。 (It's pointless to explain it to him; he won't listen.)

有什么意义

— What is the point? A rhetorical question expressing doubt about the value of an action.

你这样做到底有什么意义？ (What is the point of you doing this?)

人生的意义

— The meaning of life. A common philosophical or deep conversational topic.

每个人对人生的意义都有不同的理解。 (Everyone has a different understanding of the meaning of life.)

意义深远

— Profoundly significant; having a far-reaching impact.

这项政策意义深远，将影响几代人。 (This policy is profoundly significant and will affect generations.)

实际意义

— Practical significance; real-world value as opposed to theoretical value.

这个理论听起来不错，但没有实际意义。 (This theory sounds good, but it has no practical significance.)

里程碑意义

— Milestone significance; marking a major turning point.

第一颗人造卫星的发射具有里程碑意义。 (The launch of the first artificial satellite had milestone significance.)

失去意义

— To lose meaning or purpose.

当目标实现后，之前的努力似乎都失去了意义。 (Once the goal was achieved, previous efforts seemed to lose their meaning.)

积极意义

— Positive significance; having a beneficial impact.

失败也有它的积极意义，能让我们吸取教训。 (Failure also has its positive significance; it allows us to learn lessons.)

毫无意义

— Utterly meaningless; completely pointless.

抱怨是毫无意义的，我们需要行动。 (Complaining is utterly meaningless; we need action.)

意义非凡

— Extraordinary significance; highly meaningful.

这枚奖牌对我来说意义非凡。 (This medal is of extraordinary significance to me.)

Often Confused With

意义 vs 意思 (yìsi)

意思 is the literal dictionary definition or basic thought. 意义 is the deep significance or value. Use 意思 for 'What does this word mean?'

意义 vs 异议 (yìyì)

Pronounced exactly the same, but means 'objection' or 'dissent'. Context usually makes it clear (e.g., 提出异议 = raise an objection).

意义 vs 目的 (mùdì)

目的 is the specific goal you want to achieve. 意义 is why achieving that goal matters in the grand scheme of things.

Idioms & Expressions

"微言大义"

— Subtle words with profound meaning. Refers to profound truths expressed in simple or concise language.

这篇短文微言大义，值得反复阅读。 (This short essay has subtle words but profound meaning; it is worth reading repeatedly.)

Literary/Formal

"毫无意义"

— Utterly meaningless. While technically a phrase, it functions like a four-character idiom in daily speech to strongly dismiss something.

这种无休止的争吵毫无意义。 (This endless arguing is utterly meaningless.)

Neutral

"意义深长"

— Having deep and lasting significance. Similar to 意味深长 but focuses more on the objective value.

校长的话意义深长，让学生们陷入了沉思。 (The principal's words were deeply significant, causing the students to fall into deep thought.)

Formal

"断章取义"

— To quote out of context. Literally 'to cut off a chapter and take the meaning'.

我们不能断章取义地理解他的话。 (We cannot understand his words by quoting them out of context.)

Formal

"望文生义"

— To interpret words literally without understanding their true meaning.

学习成语不能望文生义，否则会闹笑话。 (When learning idioms, you cannot interpret them literally, otherwise you will make a fool of yourself.)

Formal

"顾名思义"

— As the name implies. Literally 'looking at the name, one thinks of the meaning'.

黑板，顾名思义，就是黑色的板子。 (A blackboard, as the name implies, is a black board.)

Neutral

"词不达意"

— Language fails to express the meaning; unable to express oneself clearly.

他太紧张了，说话有些词不达意。 (He was too nervous, and his words failed to convey his meaning.)

Formal

"言外之意"

— The implied meaning; reading between the lines.

你听出他话里的言外之意了吗？ (Did you catch the implied meaning in his words?)

Neutral

"深明大义"

— To deeply understand the great principles (of righteousness). Often used to praise someone for putting the greater good above personal interests.

她深明大义，主动放弃了这次机会。 (She deeply understood the greater good and voluntarily gave up this opportunity.)

Formal/Literary

"不可思议"

— Inconceivable; unimaginable. (While '义' here originally relates to thought/meaning in Buddhism, it is used for 'unimaginable').

金字塔的建造过程真是不可思议。 (The construction process of the pyramids is truly inconceivable.)

Neutral

Easily Confused

意义 vs 意思

Both translate to 'meaning' in English.

意思 is semantic meaning (definition). 意义 is pragmatic or philosophical meaning (significance/value).

这个词的意思是什么？(What is the definition of this word?) vs 这件事的意义是什么？(What is the significance of this event?)

意义 vs 价值

Both translate to 'value' or 'worth'.

价值 often implies economic, practical, or quantifiable worth. 意义 is more abstract, emotional, or historical.

这栋房子的价值很高。(This house has high value.) vs 这座老房子的历史意义很大。(This old house has great historical significance.)

意义 vs 含义

Both relate to deeper meaning.

含义 is the implied or hidden message within a specific text or symbol. 意义 is the broader importance or purpose.

这句话的含义很深。(The implication of this sentence is deep.) vs 学习的意义在于成长。(The significance of learning lies in growth.)

意义 vs 作用

Both describe the effect of something.

作用 is the functional effect (what it does). 意义 is the evaluative importance (why it matters).

这个药的作用是止痛。(The function of this medicine is to stop pain.) vs 这项发明的意义是拯救生命。(The significance of this invention is saving lives.)

意义 vs 意图

Both start with 意 and relate to thoughts.

意图 is 'intention' or 'motive' (what someone plans to do). 意义 is the significance of the action itself.

他的意图是好的。(His intention is good.) vs 他的行为没有意义。(His behavior has no significance.)

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + 很有意义。

这本书很有意义。 (This book is very meaningful.)

[Action] + 没有意义。

抱怨没有意义。 (Complaining is pointless.)

这是一件 + 有意义的 + [Noun]。

这是一件有意义的工作。 (This is a meaningful job.)

[Subject] + 的意义在于 + [Action/Concept]。

旅行的意义在于放松。 (The significance of travel lies in relaxing.)

[Subject] + 具有 + [Adjective] + 的意义。

这个发现具有重大的意义。 (This discovery has major significance.)

毫无意义。

这种担心毫无意义。 (This kind of worry is utterly meaningless.)

[Subject] + 被赋予了 + [Adjective] + 意义。

长城被赋予了象征意义。 (The Great Wall has been endowed with symbolic meaning.)

失去 + [Adjective] + 意义。

如果没人看，表演就失去了意义。 (If no one watches, the performance loses its meaning.)

Word Family

Nouns

意思 (meaning)

含义 (implication)

意图 (intention)

意义感 (sense of meaning)

Verbs

意味着 (to mean/imply)

示意 (to signal/hint)

Adjectives

有意义的 (meaningful)

无意义的 (meaningless)

价值 (value)

重要性 (importance)

目的 (purpose)

作用 (function)

影响 (impact)

How to Use It

frequency

Top 1000 most common words in Chinese. Essential for intermediate and advanced learners.

Common Mistakes

这个词的意义是什么？ → 这个词的意思是什么？
Using 意义 to ask for a dictionary definition is incorrect. 意义 means 'significance' or 'deep purpose'. 意思 means 'literal meaning' or 'definition'.
这是一个很意义的活动。 → 这是一个很有意义的活动。
意义 is a noun, not an adjective. You cannot say 'very significance'. You must say 'very much has significance' (很有意义).
那样做是不意义的。 → 那样做是没有意义的。
You cannot negate a noun with 不 (bù). To say something lacks meaning, you must use 没有 (méiyǒu) or 没 (méi).
你的话很有意义。 (When meaning 'Your words make sense') → 你的话很有道理。
If you want to say 'that makes sense' logically, use 有道理. 有意义 means 'that has profound significance/value'.
他做这件事的意义是为了赚钱。 → 他做这件事的目的是为了赚钱。
目的 (purpose/goal) is used for specific, practical aims like making money. 意义 is used for broader, deeper value.

Tips

Always use 有/没

Remember that 意义 is a noun. To describe something as meaningful or meaningless, you must use the verbs 有 (have) or 没 (not have) before it.

Don't use for definitions

Never use 意义 when you want to know what a word means in the dictionary. Always use 意思 (yìsi) for literal definitions.

Upgrade your essays

In written Chinese, replace 有意义 with 具有意义. It instantly makes your writing sound more professional and academic.

Expressing frustration

If you are frustrated with a pointless task, say '毫无意义！' (háo wú yìyì). It sounds much stronger and more native than just '没意义'.

Pair with strong adjectives

意义 loves strong adjectives. Memorize pairs like 重大意义 (major significance) and 深远意义 (profound significance).

Master the '在于' pattern

Learn the pattern 'A的意义在于B' (The significance of A lies in B). It is the best way to explain the purpose of anything.

Hit the 4th tone hard

Both syllables are 4th tone (falling). Don't be shy—drop your pitch sharply on both 'YÌ' and 'YÌ' to sound clear and confident.

Philosophical weight

Reserve 意义 for things that actually matter. Don't say 'eating this apple has no 意义'. It sounds too philosophical for a piece of fruit.

Context is king

If you hear 'yìyì', check the verb. If the verb is 提出 (raise), the word is 异议 (objection), not 意义 (significance).

Collective value

In Chinese contexts, an action is often considered '有意义' if it helps society or family, not just if it is personally fun.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a person saying 'YEE YEE!' (yìyì) enthusiastically because they finally found the MEANING of life. The double falling tone represents the heavy, profound weight of SIGNIFICANCE.

Visual Association

Visualize a heavy, golden anchor dropping to the bottom of the ocean. The anchor represents the 'weight' and 'depth' of 意义 (significance), grounding an idea or action, unlike a light feather floating on the surface (which would be just a superficial 意思).

Word Web

意义 (Significance) --> 有意义 (Meaningful) --> 没意义 (Pointless) --> 历史意义 (Historical significance) --> 寻找意义 (Search for meaning) --> 价值 (Value) --> 意思 (Literal meaning) --> 目的 (Purpose)

Challenge

Next time you do a chore you hate, say out loud: '做这个没意义！' (Doing this is pointless!). Next time you do something you love, say: '这很有意义！' (This is very meaningful!).

Word Origin

The word 意义 (yìyì) is composed of two characters: 意 (yì) and 义 (yì). 意 originally meant 'thought,' 'intention,' or 'meaning in the mind.' It is composed of 音 (sound) above 心 (heart), suggesting the sound of the heart or inner thoughts. 义 (traditional: 義) originally meant 'righteousness,' 'justice,' or 'proper conduct.' Over time, 义 evolved to also mean 'meaning' or 'significance,' particularly the proper or accepted meaning of a text or action. When combined, 意义 represents the deep, proper, or intended significance of something.

Original meaning: The proper thought or righteous intention behind an action; evolved to mean the profound significance or value.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

When telling someone that their work or hobby is 没意义 (meaningless), it can be perceived as highly insulting and dismissive. Use it carefully in interpersonal relationships.

English speakers use 'meaning' for both 'definition' and 'significance'. Chinese strictly separates these into 意思 and 意义. Failing to separate them is the #1 cultural-linguistic marker of a foreigner.

《人生的意义》 (The Meaning of Life) - A common essay topic in Chinese schools. '寻找生命的意义' (Man's Search for Meaning) - The Chinese translation of Viktor Frankl's famous book. '毫无意义的挣扎' (Meaningless struggle) - A common trope in Chinese martial arts or fantasy novels when a villain mocks the hero.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Evaluating a task or job

这份工作没意义 (This job is pointless)
做点有意义的事 (Do something meaningful)
浪费时间没意义 (Wasting time is pointless)
寻找工作的意义 (Finding meaning in work)

Discussing history or news

历史意义 (Historical significance)
具有重大意义 (Has major significance)
里程碑意义 (Milestone significance)
时代意义 (Significance of the era)

Philosophical conversations

人生的意义 (The meaning of life)
存在的意义 (The meaning of existence)
寻找意义 (Searching for meaning)
生命的意义在于 (The meaning of life lies in)

Analyzing literature or art

象征意义 (Symbolic meaning)
深层意义 (Deep meaning)
教育意义 (Educational significance)
现实意义 (Practical significance)

Ending an argument or relationship

争论没意义 (Arguing is pointless)
毫无意义 (Utterly meaningless)
失去意义 (Lost its meaning)
继续下去没意义 (No point in continuing)

Conversation Starters

"你觉得人生的意义是什么？ (What do you think is the meaning of life?)"

"你做过最有意义的一件事是什么？ (What is the most meaningful thing you have ever done?)"

"你觉得现在的年轻人还在乎工作的意义吗？ (Do you think young people today still care about the meaning of work?)"

"如果每天只是赚钱，你觉得有意义吗？ (If you just make money every day, do you think it's meaningful?)"

"你认为学习历史的现实意义是什么？ (What do you think is the practical significance of studying history?)"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you felt your actions were truly 有意义 (meaningful). What did you do?

Write about a task you have to do regularly that feels 没意义 (pointless). Why does it feel that way?

In your opinion, what is the 教育意义 (educational significance) of traveling?

Reflect on a difficult experience. Did it eventually have a 积极意义 (positive significance) in your life?

How do you define 人生的意义 (the meaning of life) for yourself right now?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, absolutely not. This is the most common mistake English speakers make. If you point to an English word and ask '这个的意义是什么？', a Chinese person will think you are asking for the philosophical significance of the word. You must use 意思 (yìsi) to ask for a translation or definition.

Because 意义 is a noun, you cannot use it alone as an adjective. You must combine it with the verb 有 (to have). The phrase is 有意义 (literally 'has meaning'). To modify a noun, add 的: 有意义的事 (a meaningful thing).

Use the negative form 没有意义 (méiyǒu yìyì) or simply 没意义 (méi yìyì). For a stronger emphasis, you can use the idiom 毫无意义 (háo wú yìyì), which means 'utterly meaningless'.

They are very similar and often interchangeable when discussing importance. However, 价值 (value) leans slightly more towards practical, economic, or measurable worth, while 意义 (significance) leans towards emotional, historical, or philosophical importance.

No. Because 意义 is a noun, you cannot modify it directly with the adverb 很 (very). You must say 很有意义 (very much has meaning).

It is a highly useful sentence pattern that means 'the significance of... lies in...'. It is used to explain the core purpose of an action. For example, '工作的意义在于实现自我' (The significance of work lies in self-realization).

Yes, but usually only in the phrases 有意义 and 没意义. Using complex compound words like 现实意义 (practical significance) in a casual chat about what to eat for dinner would sound very strange and overly dramatic.

In formal contexts, use 具有 (to possess) instead of 有. You can also use 赋予 (to endow with) and 失去 (to lose). For example: 具有深远的意义 (possesses profound significance).

Yes, both are pronounced yìyì (4th tone, 4th tone). However, 异议 means 'objection' or 'dissent'. You can tell them apart by context. You 'have' (有) 意义, but you 'raise' (提出) 异议.

Chinese nouns do not have plural forms. If you want to express multiple significances, you use adjectives or quantifiers, such as 多重意义 (multiple meanings) or 很多意义 (many significances).

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Translate: 'This book is very meaningful.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

这本书 (This book) + 很有意义 (is very meaningful).