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March 24, 2026
示意shìyì(shi4yi4)
示意 (shìyì) means to hint or indicate an idea to someone. It is commonly used in contexts where one person wants to convey a message or suggestion indirectly, often relying on non-verbal cues or subtle prompts.
Strokes18Frequency#16025DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, indirect communication is often preferred, and 示意 reflects this tendency. People may use subtle hints rather than direct statements to maintain harmony and avoid confrontation.
Memory Tip
Think of 示 (shì) as a signpost that 'shows' you the way, and 意 (yì) as 'meaning' or 'idea'. Together, they form a visual image of someone pointing out a direction or hinting at a deeper meaning, making it easier to remember both the sound and the concept.
Meanings of 示意
shìyì(shi4yi4)
1to hint
2to indicate (an idea to sb)
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About 示意
示意Simplified
18Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#16025Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 示意
Podcast: 示意
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AI Study Notes for 示意
Quick Contrast
提示 (tíshì) vs 示意 (shìyì): use 提示 when giving a direct suggestion or reminder, while 示意 implies a more indirect or subtle indication.
Usage Notes
示意 is more informal and is often used in conversational contexts. Be cautious not to confuse it with more direct expressions of communication. Common collocations include 示意动作 (hinting action) and 示意图 (diagram indicating ideas).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 示意 connects with other advanced vocabulary that deals with communication and expression. Students should focus on using it in both spoken and written contexts to enhance their fluency.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 示意 with more direct expressions like 指示. For example, saying '我示意给他去' (I hint to him to go) should be corrected to '我示意他去' (I hinted to him to go) for proper structure.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 示意
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示意 (shìyì) means to hint or indicate an idea to someone. It is commonly used in contexts where one person wants to convey a message or suggestion indirectly, often relying on non-verbal cues or subtle prompts.
When to use 示意
示意 is more informal and is often used in conversational contexts. Be cautious not to confuse it with more direct expressions of communication. Common collocations include 示意动作 (hinting action) and 示意图 (diagram indicating ideas).
示意 or something close to it
提示 (tíshì) vs 示意 (shìyì): use 提示 when giving a direct suggestion or reminder, while 示意 implies a more indirect or subtle indication.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 示意 with more direct expressions like 指示. For example, saying '我示意给他去' (I hint to him to go) should be corrected to '我示意他去' (I hinted to him to go) for proper structure.
Write 示意
示
意
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Grammar Patterns of 示意
示意 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
