“意思” (yìsi) and “意义” (yìyì) are both Chinese terms related to meaning or significance, but they are used in slightly different contexts:
意思 (yìsi)
“意思” primarily refers to the meaning or sense of a word, phrase, or expression. It is commonly used in the context of language and communication to discuss the meaning of words or sentences.
It can also be used informally to ask someone what they mean when they say something.
“意思” is more commonly associated with the literal or linguistic meaning of something.
e.g.
这个词的意思是什么？ (Zhège cí de yìsi shì shénme?)
What is the meaning of this word?
只有我一个人想赢得比赛，太没意思了。(Zhǐ yǒu wǒ yīgè rén xiǎng yíng dé bǐsài, tài méi yìsi le.)
It’s no fun if only I want to win the game.
这篇文章的意思你明白吗？(Zhè piān wénzhāng de yìsi nǐ míngbái ma?)
Do you understand the meaning of this article?
你又不跟大家说话了，这样有意思吗？(Nǐ yòu bù gēn dàjiā shuōhuà le, zhèyàng yǒu yìsi ma?)
You’re not talking to everyone again, is this interesting?
意义 (yìyì)
“意义” refers to the broader significance, importance, or implication of something. It goes beyond the mere linguistic meaning of words or phrases and encompasses the value, purpose, or moral significance of actions, events, or concepts.
It is often used when discussing the deeper or symbolic meaning of things, such as the significance of a historical event or the moral value of an action.
“意义” is more associated with the abstract or philosophical aspects of meaning.
e.g.
这次活动的意义在于提高社区的凝聚力和团结感。 (Zhè cì huódòng de yìyì zàiyú tígāo shèqū de níngjùlì hé tuánjiégǎn.)
The significance of this event lies in enhancing community cohesion and a sense of unity.
这次旅行对孩子们意义重大。(Zhècì lǚxíng duì háizimen yìyì zhòngdà.)
This trip is of great significance to the children.
教育的意义不仅仅是学习书本上的知识。(Jiàoyù de yìyì bù jǐnjǐn shì xuéxí shūběn shàng de zhīshi.)
The significance of education is not just about learning knowledge from books.
这个句子的语法意义你明白吗？(Zhège jùzǐ de yǔfǎ yìsi nǐ míngbái ma?)
Do you understand the grammatical meaning of this sentence?
Summary
In summary, “意思” typically deals with the literal or linguistic meaning of words and expressions, while “意义” delves into the broader significance, importance, or moral value of actions, events, or concepts.
Exercise
