意
- intention, meaning, thought, idea, will;
Etymology
Phono-semantic compound:
心 (heart, mind) – semantic, indicating thought and feeling
音 (sound, tone) – phonetic element, suggesting expression and communication
Originally depicted the sound of the heart — the inner voice or expressed intention. Over time it came to mean thought, purpose, and meaning in a broad sense.
Semantic range:
- intention, will, purpose;
- thought, idea, mental activity;
- meaning, sense, significance (of words, events);
- feeling, sentiment, mood;
- by extension: suggestion, inclination, wish.
Usage in Korean
意見 (의견) – opinion
意味 (의미) – meaning, significance
意志 (의지) – will, determination
同意 (동의) – agreement, consent
주의 (主意) – idea, plan
Words that derived from 意
- 대의(大意)–rough meaning
- 동의(同意)–synonymy; synonymity; approval; permission
- 반의어(反義語/反意語)–antonym
- 본의(本意)–real intention; one's heart; heart; truth
- 선의(善意)–kind heart; virtuous attitude; good intention; good will
- 악의(惡意)–evil heart; spite; ill will; impure intention
- 의도(意圖)–intention; purpose; aim
- 의미(意味)–meaning; sense; implication; significance
- 의사(意思)–mind; intention
- 의사소통(意思疏通)–communication
- 의식(意識)–consciousness; awareness
- 의식하다(意識하다)–be conscious of; tend to; be aware of
- 의지(意志)–will; volition
- 주의(注意)–caution; attention; warning
- 창의력(創意力)–creativity
Additional notes
In classical texts, 意 often denotes the heart’s inner thought distinct from 情 (emotions).
In modern Chinese, it also appears in the abbreviation for Italy: 意大利 (Yìdàlì).
- 卜廿日心 (YTAP)
- ⿱ 音 心
- ⿱ 立 𢗭
