意义 (yìyì) — meaning; significance

意义 (yìyì)

意义 refers to the deeper significance, value, or purpose behind something, going beyond surface-level meaning (unlike 意思 yìsi, which is more about literal meaning).

Meanings

1. [noun] meaning; significance; importance; value

Example Sentences

这件事对我有很重要的意义。 Zhè jiàn shì duì wǒ yǒu hěn zhòngyào de yìyì. This matter holds great significance for me.

帮助别人是一件很有意义的事情。 Bāngzhù biérén shì yī jiàn hěn yǒu yìyì de shìqing. Helping others is a very meaningful thing.

你认为生活的意义是什么？ Nǐ rènwéi shēnghuó de yìyì shì shénme? What do you think the meaning of life is?

这个纪念碑具有深刻的历史意义。 Zhège jìniànbēi jùyǒu shēnkè de lìshǐ yìyì. This monument has profound historical significance.

Collocations

Memory Hook

While 意思 (yìsi) is "what does this word mean?", 意义 (yìyì) is "why does this matter?" — 义 relates to righteousness and value, so 意义 carries weight and importance.