noun HSK 5
niàn
concept · idea · philosophy · belief

Meaning

理念 refers to an underlying concept, philosophy, or guiding principle that shapes thoughts and actions. It's more abstract and ideological than 想法 (simple idea), often describing core beliefs, organizational philosophies, or theoretical concepts that guide behavior.

Usage

Common in formal contexts, academic writing, and business settings when discussing guiding principles or philosophies. Frequently used to describe company values, educational philosophies, or design concepts. More sophisticated than everyday words for 'idea'.

Examples

  1. 01
    这家公司的经营理念是以客户为中心。
    Zhè jiā gōng de jīng yíng niàn shì wéi zhōng xīn.
    This company's business philosophy is to be customer-centered.
  2. 02
    我们需要转变传统的教育理念
    men yào zhuǎn biàn chuán tǒng de jiào niàn.
    We need to transform traditional educational concepts.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个新理念
  • zhǒng这种理念

Common collocations

  • 设计理念
    shè niàn
    design concept/philosophy
  • 经营理念
    jīng yíng niàn
    business philosophy
  • 教育理念
    jiào niàn
    educational philosophy
  • 先进理念
    xiān jìn niàn
    advanced concept

Origin

Combines 理 (principle/reason) with 念 (thought/idea) to create a compound meaning 'principled thought' or 'conceptual framework.' The term gained prominence in modern Chinese for translating Western philosophical concepts.

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