Meaning and Usage
"无意" means "unintentional" or "without intention." It is often used to express that an action or statement was not done deliberately or with a specific purpose. It can describe accidental discoveries, unintended offenses, or spontaneous changes of mind.
Common Collocations
- 无意中 (wúyì zhōng): accidentally, by chance
- 无意冒犯 (wúyì màofàn): unintentionally offend
- 无意之间 (wúyì zhī jiān): unintentionally, without realizing
Usage Notes
When using "无意," speakers often want to soften the impact of their words or actions, indicating no harmful intent. It is common in apologies or explanations. Unlike "故意" (deliberate), "无意" emphasizes lack of intention.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse "无意" with "无意愿" (no willingness) or "无意义" (meaningless). "无意" specifically relates to intention behind actions or thoughts.