noun HSK 4
zhǔ yi
idea · plan · decision

Meaning

主意 refers to an idea, suggestion, or plan for doing something. It often implies a thought-out approach or solution to a problem. The word can also mean a decision or determination about what to do.

Usage

Commonly used in everyday conversation when discussing plans or solutions. Often appears in phrases like 想主意 (to think of an idea), 出主意 (to come up with an idea), or 拿主意 (to make a decision). It's neutral in register and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Examples

  1. 01
    这真是个好主意
    Zhè zhēn shì hǎo zhǔ yi!
    This is really a good idea!
  2. 02
    我们遇到了困难,你能帮我们出个主意吗?
    Wǒmen dào le kùn nán, néng bāng wǒmen chū zhǔ yi ma?
    We've run into difficulties. Can you help us come up with an idea?

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个好主意

Common collocations

  • 主意
    chū zhǔ yi
    to come up with an idea
  • 主意
    xiǎng zhǔ yi
    to think of an idea
  • 主意
    zhǔ yi
    to make a decision
  • 主意
    hǎo zhǔ yi
    good idea

Origin

Combines 主 (main/primary) with 意 (intention/thought) to literally mean 'primary thought' or 'main intention,' reflecting the concept of a central idea or decision.

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