What On Earth Do You Mean 意思(yì si)?

Posted by Fifi Yang 9661

meaning 意思

Key Learning Point (Preview):

意思 (yìsi): n. meaning

Have you ever heard some conversation between Chinese people saying "意思yisi"? The word "意思 (yìsi)" is commonly used in Chinese, and it literally refers to "meaning". However, it has different meanings in different situations.

First, let's start with an interesting conversation between native Chinese speakers.

Nǐ zhège rén zhēn yǒu yìsi.
A: 你这个人真有意思。

Bù hǎo yìsi, gāngcái ràng nǐ jiànxiào le
B: 不好意思，刚才让你见笑了。

Do you really understand what they mean? Do not worry, we will explain the five different meanings of 意思 below.

1. "意思 (yìsi)" is often used to show that things or people are interesting.

Examples:

zhè bù diànyǐnɡ tǐng yǒu yìsi de.
这部电影挺有意思的。
The film is very interesting.

Tā lǎoɡōnɡ tǐng yǒu yìsi de, zǒng ài jiǎng xiàohua.
她老公挺有意思的，总爱讲笑话。
Her husband is very funny. He loves to tell jokes.

2. 不好意思Bù hǎo yìsi

When 意思yisi appears in expression "不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi),", it means"sorry" or "excuse me." When you do something wrong but it's not serious, you can use "不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi)" to show that you're sorry for bothering or troubling someone.

Examples:

Bù hǎo yìsi, wǒ wànɡ le ɡěi nǐ huí diàn huà
Jane: 不好意思，我忘了给你回电话
Sorry, I forgot to call you back.

Méi guānxi.
Alice: 没关系。
It doesn't matter.

Bù hǎo yìsi, wǒ ɡānɡ ɡānɡ méi tīnɡ dào qiāo mén shēnɡ
不好意思，我刚刚没听到敲门声
Sorry, I did not hear your knocking just now.

Bù hǎo yìsi, zhè me wǎn le hái dǎ rǎo nǐ
不好意思，这么晚了还打扰你。
Sorry for bothering you so late.

3. "意思 (yìsi)" can refer to a small token of kind feeling, affection or appreciation, etc.

Example:

Zhège lǐwù sònggěi nǐ, yìdiǎnr xiǎoyìsi, bié kèqi.
John: 这个礼物送给你，一点儿小意思，别客气。
This small gift is for you. You don't need to say anything.

Xièxie le.
Mary: 谢谢了。
Thanks.

4. "意思 (yìsi)" means affection, like or love. It's commonly used when one person start to have interest with someone.

Example:

Tā duì nǐ yǒu yì si
Anna: 他对你有意思
He is coming on to you./ He has a crash on you.

shì mɑ
Jenny: 是吗？
Really?

5. "意思 (yìsi)" can also be used to refer to meaning, hints, signs or traces.

Example:

kàn tāde biǎoqínɡ, yǒudiǎn bùxiǎnɡ bānjiā de yìsi
看他的表情，有点不想搬家的意思。
I can tell from his expression, he seems does not want to move.

6. "意思 (yìsi)" can also be used to describe someone who is good, kind, delightful and generous.

Example:

nǐ yuánliànɡ le wǒde ɡuòcuò, zhēn ɡòu yìsi.
你原谅了我的过错，真够意思.
It was most generous of you to forgive me

nǐ zhēn ɡòu yì si 。
你真够意思。
You are such a good feller.

Now do you really understand what 意思 mean in different situations? What does 意思mean in the conversation in the beginning? Tell us in comment below. If you would like to learn more useful experssions in daily life. Feel free to contact us to schedule a free 1-on-1 Chinese lesson with our experienced Chinese teachers.