Meanings of 故意
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Podcast: 故意
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AI study notes for 故意
故意 (gù yì) vs 有意 (yǒu yì) — use 故意 when emphasizing intentionality with a negative connotation, while 有意 implies intention without the negative context.
Be cautious not to confuse 故意 with the similar-sounding words that imply unintentional actions, such as '无意' (wú yì). This term is primarily used in informal contexts, but can also appear in formal discussions about behavior, especially in legal or moral contexts.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 故意 connects with other words related to intention and action, such as '目的' (mù dì, purpose) and '计划' (jì huà, plan). Focus on using it in sentences that express clear motives or intentions.
Learners often misuse 故意 by confusing it with similar expressions. For example, saying '我无意这样做' (wǒ wú yì zhè yàng zuò) instead of '我故意这样做' (wǒ gù yì zhè yàng zuò) changes the meaning from 'I did this unintentionally' to 'I did this intentionally.'
Pronunciation of 故意
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Component characters
How to say deliberately in Chinese
“deliberately” in Chinese is故意
故意 (gù yì) means to do something deliberately or on purpose, emphasizing intention behind an action. It is commonly used in contexts where someone's actions are intentional rather than accidental, often carrying a negative connotation when referring to mischief or wrongdoing.
When to use 故意
Be cautious not to confuse 故意 with the similar-sounding words that imply unintentional actions, such as '无意' (wú yì). This term is primarily used in informal contexts, but can also appear in formal discussions about behavior, especially in legal or moral contexts.
故意 or something close to it
故意 (gù yì) vs 有意 (yǒu yì) — use 故意 when emphasizing intentionality with a negative connotation, while 有意 implies intention without the negative context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 故意 by confusing it with similar expressions. For example, saying '我无意这样做' (wǒ wú yì zhè yàng zuò) instead of '我故意这样做' (wǒ gù yì zhè yàng zuò) changes the meaning from 'I did this unintentionally' to 'I did this intentionally.'
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Grammar patterns of 故意
故意 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 2 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他____提高声音。
He deliberately raised his voice.
Example sentences for 故意 (10)
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Frequently asked questions about 故意
You can say, '他故意迟到' (Tā gù yì chí dào), meaning 'He is deliberately late.'
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