Meaning
意义 refers to the meaning, significance, or importance of something. It can describe both the semantic meaning of words or symbols and the deeper significance or value that actions, events, or concepts hold. This word is commonly used in both everyday and formal contexts when discussing the purpose or value of something.
Usage
意义 is frequently used in phrases like 有意义 (meaningful) and 没有意义 (meaningless). It often appears in discussions about philosophy, purpose, value, and interpretation. Native speakers use it when evaluating whether something matters or has worth, as well as when explaining what something means or represents.
Examples
- 01这次会议具有重大的历史意义。.This meeting has great historical significance.
- 02学习外语不仅有实际意义，还能开阔眼界。, .Learning a foreign language is not only practically meaningful, but also broadens one's horizons.
Characters
Measure words
- 种一种意义
Common collocations
- 有意义meaningful, significant
- 没有意义meaningless
- 重大意义great significance
- 实际意义practical significance
Origin
Both characters relate to abstract concepts of meaning and significance. 意 originally depicted 'sound/words from the heart' (心), while 义 represents concepts of righteousness and principle. Together they emphasize both subjective and objective dimensions of meaning.