Chinese Character: Meaning (意)

The character 意 (yì) translates as “meaning” or “idea.”
Chinese Character: Meaning (意)
(Epoch Times)
8/11/2013
Updated:
5/7/2022

The character 意 () translates as “meaning” or “idea.” It is most often combined with the character 思 () for the word “meaning;” however, it can also mean a wish, desire, or intention.

 The upper part of the character is 音 (yīn), which means sound, and the lower part of the character is 心 (xīn), heart. The composition of the character indicates its original meaning—that of the sound of the heart or the feelings or thoughts of the heart.

 The basic meaning of 意 is “what the heart feels.” Other character combinations form words or ideas that suggest a change of heart or half-heartedness, such as 三心二意 (sān xīn èr yì), being of three minds and two hearts, or half-hearted.