Meaning
议 means to discuss or deliberate on matters, typically in a formal or official context. It often appears in compound words related to meetings, proposals, and legislative processes. The character combines the speech radical (讠) with 义 (meaning 'righteousness' or 'meaning'), suggesting speaking about matters of importance.
Usage
议 is rarely used alone in modern spoken Chinese. It most commonly appears in formal compounds like 会议 (meeting), 建议 (suggestion), 议论 (to discuss), and 抗议 (to protest). In written and formal contexts, it conveys a sense of structured discussion or deliberation rather than casual conversation.
Examples
- 01这个问题还需要继续讨议。.This issue still needs further discussion.
- 02大家对此事议论纷纷。.Everyone is discussing this matter extensively.
Common collocations
- 议论to comment on, to discuss
- 抗议to protest
- 争议controversy, dispute
- 议程agenda
Origin
The traditional form 議 combines 言 (speech) with 義 (righteousness, meaning), suggesting principled or meaningful discussion. The simplified form uses 讠 (speech radical) plus 义.