意图 (yì tú) — (noun) intention, intent; (verb) to intend

Definition

意图 (yìtú) is a formal noun for a deliberate plan or aim, and can also verb as 'to intend'. More formal and plan-like than 打算; heavier and more concrete than 念头 ('vague thought').

noun
intentionintent
verb
to intend

Examples

  • 意图，。
    Tā de yì tú hěn míng xiǎn, wǒ men dōu kàn chū lái le.
    Her intention is very clear; we all see it.
  • 意图。
    Gōng sī yì tú kuò dà shì chǎng fèn é.
    The company intends to expand its market share.
  • 意图？
    Tā zhè me zuò dào dǐ yǒu shén me yì tú?
    What intention does he have in doing this?

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

意yìintention
图túplan

Both 意 and 图 point to what one wants to do.

Characters in this word

No reliable origin is recorded for this character.

Open 意 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 圖; 图 is its simplified writing.

  • 囗囗wéiwalled city
  • 啚啚bǐ

The traditional form 圖 pairs 囗, a walled city, with 啚, an early form meaning remote areas or territory. The simplified 图 is a later abbreviation.

Open 图 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9HSK 2.0 Level 6Will & Intention

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