Meaning
意见 refers to a person's thoughts, views, or opinions about something. It can mean a positive suggestion or recommendation, but also criticism or objection. The word combines 意 (meaning, intention) and 见 (to see, perceive), literally meaning 'what one sees or thinks.'
Usage
意见 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. In phrases like 提意见 (to offer suggestions) or 有意见 (to have objections/complaints), it's neutral to slightly negative. When asking for input politely, Chinese speakers often say 听取意见 (to listen to opinions) or 征求意见 (to solicit opinions). It's less personal than 看法 (viewpoint) and more commonly used in group or professional settings.
Examples
- 01你对这个计划有什么意见吗？?Do you have any opinions about this plan?
- 02我们应该听取群众的意见。.We should listen to the opinions of the masses.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个意见
- 条三条意见
Common collocations
- 提意见to offer opinions/suggestions
- 听取意见to listen to opinions
- 征求意见to solicit opinions
- 有意见to have objections/complaints
Origin
The compound combines 意 (thought/intention) with 见 (to see/perceive), creating the concept of 'what one perceives or thinks' about a matter. This pairing has been used in classical Chinese to express personal views and judgments.