Core Meaning
"意思" primarily means "meaning" or "idea." It can refer to the meaning of words, sentences, or the intention behind someone's speech or actions.
Expressing Understanding or Intent
Commonly used to ask or clarify someone's intention or what they mean, e.g., "你明白我的意思吗？" (Do you understand what I mean?). This usage is very frequent in daily conversation.
Describing Interest or Fun
"意思" also describes something interesting or amusing, often in the phrase "有意思" (interesting/fun). For example, "这个笑话很有意思。" (This joke is very interesting.)
Common Collocations
- "有意思": to say something is interesting or fun.
- "没有意思": to say something is boring or not meaningful.
- "意思是": to explain the meaning or intention behind words or actions.
Usage Notes
"意思" can be both abstract (ideas, intentions) and concrete (meaning of words). When used to express interest, it often appears with "有" or "没有." Avoid confusing "意思" with "意义," which is more formal and often used in written language to mean "significance."