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含义 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
含义hányìmeaning (implicit in a phrase)HSK 6, n, 10 strokes, rank #5482, Hard
含义hányìimplied meaningHSK 6, n, 10 strokes, rank #5482, Hard
含义hányìhidden meaningHSK 6, n, 10 strokes, rank #5482, Hard
含义hányìhintHSK 6, n, 10 strokes, rank #5482, Hard
含义hányìconnotationHSK 6, n, 10 strokes, rank #5482, Hard
hányì(han2yi4)han yi T2
  1. 1meaning (implicit in a phrase)
  2. 2implied meaning
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March 24, 2026

含义(含義)hányì(han2yi4)

含义 refers to the implied or connotative meaning of a phrase or word, often beyond its literal interpretation. It is commonly used in discussions about language, literature, and communication, where understanding the subtleties of meaning is crucial.

Strokes10Frequency#5482DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of implied meaning is vital in communication, as many expressions carry layers of significance. Understanding 含义 can enhance one's appreciation of traditional Chinese poetry and proverbs, where much is left unsaid.

Memory Tip

Think of 含 (hán) as 'to contain' and 意 (yì) as 'meaning.' Imagine a treasure chest (含) filled with hidden gems (意) that represent deeper meanings. This imagery helps you remember that 含义 is about what lies beneath the surface of words.

Meanings of 含义

hányì(han2yi4)
1meaning (implicit in a phrase)
2implied meaning
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 含义

含义Simplified
含義Traditional
10Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5482Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 含义

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Podcast: 含义

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AI Study Notes for 含义

Quick Contrast

意义 (yìyì) vs 含义 (hányì): 选择含义时强调隐含或潜在的意义,而意义则更偏向于字面或直接的意义。

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 含义 with 字面意思 (literal meaning). Remember that 含义 focuses on implied meanings and nuances. It's more commonly used in formal contexts, especially in literature or academic discussions.

HSK Study Tips

As a level 6 word, 含义 connects with other advanced vocabulary that deals with interpretation and analysis. Students should focus on using it in complex sentences to discuss texts or conversations where deeper meanings are involved.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes misinterpret 含义 as simply meaning 'meaning' without recognizing its emphasis on implications. A wrong example would be saying '这个词的含义是' (The meaning of this word is) instead of focusing on what the word implies.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 含义

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How Well Do You Know 含义?

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Knowing 含义 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

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Component Characters

含hánto keep
HSK 57 strokes口
View full entry
义yìjustice
HSK 53 strokes丿
View full entry

How to say meaning (implicit in a phrase) in Chinese

“meaning (implicit in a phrase)” in Chinese is含义hányì

含义 refers to the implied or connotative meaning of a phrase or word, often beyond its literal interpretation. It is commonly used in discussions about language, literature, and communication, where understanding the subtleties of meaning is crucial.

When to use 含义

Learners often confuse 含义 with 字面意思 (literal meaning). Remember that 含义 focuses on implied meanings and nuances. It's more commonly used in formal contexts, especially in literature or academic discussions.

含义 or something close to it

意义 (yìyì) vs 含义 (hányì): 选择含义时强调隐含或潜在的意义,而意义则更偏向于字面或直接的意义。

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes misinterpret 含义 as simply meaning 'meaning' without recognizing its emphasis on implications. A wrong example would be saying '这个词的含义是' (The meaning of this word is) instead of focusing on what the word implies.

Write 含义

含
义

Practice writing 含义 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 含义

含义 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 5 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这些表达方式经常相互替代使用,但它们的____确实有所不同。

These expressions are often used interchangeably, but they do have different meanings.

Example Sentences for 含义 (7)

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1
这些表达方式经常相互替代使用,但它们的含义确实有所不同。

zhè xiē biǎo dá fāng shì jīng cháng xiāng hù tì dài shǐ yòng, , dàn tā mén de hán yì què shí yǒu suǒ bù。

These expressions are often used interchangeably, but they do have different meanings.
2
这只是那种有太多负面含义的词之一。

zhè zhī shì nà zhǒng yǒu tài duō fù miàn hán yì de cí zhī yī。

It's just one of those words that's got so many negative connotations.
3
人们使用科学术语,但并非很清楚其含义。

rén mén shǐ yòng kē xué shù yǔ, , dàn bìng fēi hěn qīng chǔ qí hán。

People use scientific terms with no clear idea of their meaning.
4
麦肯批评说对“区域”一词的含义缺少解释。

mài kěn pī píng shuō duì“ “ qū” yù ” yī cí de hán yì quē shǎo。

McKen criticises the lack of explication of what the term "areas" means.
5
用光标暗示表明元键的含义.

yòng guāng biāo àn shì biǎo míng yuán jiàn de hán yì.

Use cursor hinting to show the meanings of meta - keys.
6
在波兰,信仰的含义向来不仅仅指宗教。

zài bō lán, , xìn yǎng de hán yì xiàng lái bù jǐn jǐn zhǐ zōng。

In Poland, the faith has always meant more than mere religion.
7
但是含义多深呵!

dàn shì hán yì duō shēn hē!

But what volumes of meaning in them!

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Cultural Notes for 含义

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, direct communication is often valued, while in Chinese culture, the implied meanings can be just as important, requiring a more nuanced understanding of language.

Frequently Asked Questions about 含义

You can say, '这句话的含义很深' (The meaning of this sentence is profound).

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