意图 yìtú intent
intent; intention; to intend
How to remember 意图: 意 idea + 图 diagram = intent.
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How it is used
- The concrete intent or aim behind an action - 犯罪意图 (fànzuì yìtú) criminal intent; 我看不出他的意图 (wǒ kàn bù chū tā de yìtú) I can't figure out his intention.
- Compared with 意向 (yìxiàng, an inclination/leaning, often positive/business), 意图 is a specific planned purpose and can carry a suspicious or negative shade.
- Works as noun ('the intent') or verb ('to intend to').