用意 yòngyì intention
intention; purpose
How to remember 用意: 用 to use (Kangxi radical 101) + 意 idea = intention.
Characters
How it is used
- The intention / purpose behind an act - 他这么说有什么用意? (tā zhème shuō yǒu shénme yòngyì?) what's he driving at?
- Focuses on the hidden aim or motive behind words/actions, often probing (别有用意, ulterior motive).
- Compare 目的 (mùdì, goal/objective), which is neutral and stated; 用意 is the underlying intent, sometimes concealed.
Example sentences
- 那个词用意大利语怎么说？ Nàge cíyòng yìdàlìyǔ zěnme shuō?How do you say that in Italian?