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March 24, 2026
主意zhǔyi(zhu3yi5)
主意 (zhǔyì) refers to an idea, plan, or decision that someone considers important. It is commonly used in discussions about strategies, opinions, or suggestions, often in both personal and professional contexts.
Strokes18Frequency#548DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, having a 主意 is often seen as a sign of initiative and responsibility, particularly in group settings where collaborative decision-making is valued. Sharing your 主意 can also reflect your engagement in discussions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'main idea' (主) being the 'key' (意) to a door of opportunities. Visualize holding a key that unlocks different plans or ideas in your mind, helping you remember the pronunciation and meaning.
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AI Study Notes for 主意
Quick Contrast
主张 (zhǔzhāng) vs. 意见 (yìjiàn) — choose 主意 when referring to a specific idea or plan, while 主张 emphasizes a stance or assertion, and 意见 focuses on an opinion or suggestion.
Usage Notes
Learners should be cautious not to confuse 主意 with similar terms like 意见 (yìjiàn), which means 'opinion.' While 主意 focuses on a concrete idea or plan, 意见 emphasizes a suggestion or viewpoint. It's informal, so use it in casual conversations.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, 主意 connects with other vocabulary related to opinions and suggestions, such as 意见 (yìjiàn) and 计划 (jìhuà). Students should focus on using it in sentences to express their thoughts effectively.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 主意 with 计划 (jìhuà), using it incorrectly in contexts where a formal plan is needed. For example, saying '我的主意是明天出发' (Wǒ de zhǔyì shì míngtiān chūfā) is incorrect for 'My plan is to leave tomorrow.' Use 计划 instead.
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Pronunciation of 主意
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主意 (zhǔyì) refers to an idea, plan, or decision that someone considers important. It is commonly used in discussions about strategies, opinions, or suggestions, often in both personal and professional contexts.
When to use 主意
Learners should be cautious not to confuse 主意 with similar terms like 意见 (yìjiàn), which means 'opinion.' While 主意 focuses on a concrete idea or plan, 意见 emphasizes a suggestion or viewpoint. It's informal, so use it in casual conversations.
主意 or something close to it
主张 (zhǔzhāng) vs. 意见 (yìjiàn) — choose 主意 when referring to a specific idea or plan, while 主张 emphasizes a stance or assertion, and 意见 focuses on an opinion or suggestion.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 主意 with 计划 (jìhuà), using it incorrectly in contexts where a formal plan is needed. For example, saying '我的主意是明天出发' (Wǒ de zhǔyì shì míngtiān chūfā) is incorrect for 'My plan is to leave tomorrow.' Use 计划 instead.
Write 主意
主
意
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Grammar Patterns of 主意
主意 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
