内涵 (nèihán) — connotation, inner meaning

内涵 (nèihán)

内涵 refers to the inner substance, depth of meaning, or connotative richness of a concept, text, or person. When applied to a person, it means intellectual depth or cultural cultivation. When applied to a text or concept, it refers to the full range of connotations or inherent qualities. It is a prestige term in Chinese intellectual and cultural discourse.

Meanings

1. [n] connotation, inherent meaning (of a concept or text)
2. [n] inner depth, intellectual substance (of a person)

Example Sentences

这部小说的文化内涵极为丰富，折射出二十世纪中国社会的深层矛盾。 Zhè bù xiǎoshuō de wénhuà nèihán jí wéi fēngfù, zhéshè chū èrshí shìjì Zhōngguó shèhuì de shēncéng máodùn. The cultural depth of this novel is extremely rich, reflecting the deep contradictions of twentieth-century Chinese society.

一个有内涵的人不仅博学多才，更懂得如何待人处世。 Yīgè yǒu nèihán de rén bùjǐn bóxué duō cái, gèng dǒngde rúhé dài rén chǔshì. A person of substance is not only well-read and talented but also knows how to deal with people and handle affairs.

"民主"这一概念的内涵在不同的历史时期有着不同的诠释。 "Mínzhǔ" zhè yī gàiniàn de nèihán zài bùtóng de lìshǐ shíqī yǒuzhe bùtóng de quánshì. The connotation of the concept of "democracy" has been interpreted differently in different historical periods.

这座建筑的设计外观简洁，但文化内涵却相当深厚。 Zhè zuò jiànzhú de shèjì wàiguān jiǎnjié, dàn wénhuà nèihán què xiāngdāng shēnhòu. The design of this building looks simple on the outside, but its cultural depth is quite profound.

品牌的内涵不仅体现在产品质量上，更体现在其价值观和社会责任上。 Pǐnpái de nèihán bùjǐn tǐxiàn zài chǎnpǐn zhìliàng shàng, gèng tǐxiàn zài qí jiàzhíguān hé shèhuì zérèn shàng. A brand's depth is reflected not only in product quality but also in its values and social responsibility.

这首歌词的内涵远超其表面的爱情故事，暗含着对社会现实的批判。 Zhè shǒu gēcí de nèihán yuǎn chāo qí biǎomiàn de àiqíng gùshi, ànhán zhe duì shèhuì xiànshí de pīpàn. The depth of these lyrics far exceeds the surface love story, implicitly containing a critique of social reality.

Collocations

Usage Notes

内涵 is semantically broader than 含义: 含义 usually refers to the specific meaning of a word or phrase, while 内涵 refers to a fuller range of inherent qualities, values, and associations. In everyday speech, saying someone 有内涵 is a compliment meaning they are intellectually and culturally deep. In logic and philosophy, 内涵 (intension) contrasts with 外延 (wàiyán, extension), describing what a term inherently means versus what it refers to.

Avoid using 内涵 to mean "humor" or "joke" — this is an internet slang usage (内涵笑话) that is inappropriate in formal contexts.

Memory Hook

内 (inner) + 涵 (to contain, to encompass) — 内涵 is what is contained within, the hidden depth beneath the surface.