Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== yìwèizhe: 意味着 - To Mean, Signify, Imply ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** 意味着, yiweizhe, what does yiweizhe mean, Chinese for "means", Chinese for "implies", Chinese for "signifies", how to use 意味着, 意味着 vs 表示, 意味着 vs 代表, Chinese grammar, logical consequence, Chinese verb, HSK 5 verb. * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese verb **意味着 (yìwèizhe)**, which translates to "to mean," "to signify," or "to imply." This page breaks down how to use `yiweizhe` to express logical consequences and deeper implications, going beyond simple definitions. Discover the difference between `意味着`, `表示`, and `代表` through clear examples, making your Chinese more precise and natural. This is a key term for anyone wanting to express cause-and-effect relationships and logical deductions in Chinese. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** yìwèizhe * **Part of Speech:** Verb * **HSK Level:** HSK 5 * **Concise Definition:** It means, signifies, or implies a logical consequence or deeper meaning. * **In a Nutshell:** Think of `意味着` as the Chinese equivalent of "this means that..." or "the implication is...". It's not used for simple dictionary definitions. Instead, it connects a fact or event (A) to its logical result or implication (B). If A happens, it logically `意味着` that B will happen or is now true. It’s all about consequence and deduction. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **意 (yì):** Meaning, idea, thought. You see this in common words like [[意思]] (yìsi) - "meaning," and [[同意]] (tóngyì) - "to agree." * **味 (wèi):** Taste, flavor. The most common word is [[味道]] (wèidào) - "taste" or "smell." * **着 (zhe):** A grammatical particle indicating a continuous state. Here, it helps turn the concept into an action, giving a sense of "carrying the state of..." When you combine them, `意味着` literally feels like "carrying the taste of a certain meaning." It suggests that a situation has a certain "flavor" or implication that you can logically deduce. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== * **Logic Over Emotion:** `意味着` is a very logical and analytical word. While Chinese communication can be famously indirect, `意味着` is a tool for explicitly stating a conclusion drawn from facts. It's less about feeling and more about rational deduction. * **Contrast with "Stands For":** In Western culture, we might say "A diploma stands for hard work." This is more symbolic. The Chinese equivalent for "to stand for" or "to represent" would be [[代表]] (dàibiǎo). However, you would say, "Getting a diploma **意味着** I can find a better job" (文凭**意味着**我能找到更好的工作). This isn't symbolic; it's a direct, practical consequence. `意味着` grounds the conversation in real-world outcomes and logical steps, which is a highly valued mode of communication in formal and professional Chinese contexts. It bridges the gap between a situation and its inevitable fallout. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== * **Formal and Analytical Contexts:** You will constantly see `意味着` in news reports, academic papers, legal documents, and business presentations. It's perfect for explaining the consequences of a new policy, a market trend, or a scientific discovery. * //e.g., “这一决定意味着公司将进入一个新的发展阶段。” (This decision means the company will enter a new phase of development.)// * **Everyday Logical Deduction:** It's also common in daily conversation when you're explaining your reasoning or figuring something out. * //e.g., “他不回我微信，是不是意味着他生气了？” (He's not replying to my WeChat, does that mean he's angry?)// * **Connotation:** The word itself is neutral. The implication it introduces, however, can be positive, negative, or neutral depending on the context. ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 收到大学录取通知书**意味着**我的努力没有白费。 * Pinyin: Shōudào dàxué lùqǔ tōngzhīshū **yìwèizhe** wǒ de nǔlì méiyǒu báifèi. * English: Receiving the university acceptance letter means my hard work wasn't in vain. * Analysis: This is a classic cause-and-effect. The event (receiving the letter) has a direct, logical implication (the hard work paid off). * **Example 2:** * 天空中的乌云**意味着**可能要下雨了。 * Pinyin: Tiānkōng zhōng de wūyún **yìwèizhe** kěnéng yào xià yǔ le. * English: The dark clouds in the sky mean it's probably going to rain. * Analysis: This shows a logical deduction based on evidence. The clouds (A) imply a future event (B, the rain). * **Example 3:** * 这项新政策**意味着**小企业将面临更大的挑战。 * Pinyin: Zhè xiàng xīn zhèngcè **yìwèizhe** xiǎo qǐyè jiāng miànlín gèng dà de tiǎozhàn. * English: This new policy signifies that small businesses will face greater challenges. * Analysis: Used in a formal, economic context to explain the consequence of a government action. * **Example 4:** * 对我来说，成功并不**意味着**有很多钱。 * Pinyin: Duì wǒ lái shuō, chénggōng bìng bù **yìwèizhe** yǒu hěn duō qián. * English: For me, success doesn't mean having a lot of money. * Analysis: Here it's used in the negative to reject a common implication or definition of a concept. * **Example 5:** * 保持沉默有时**意味着**默认。 * Pinyin: Bǎochí chénmò yǒushí **yìwèizhe** mòrèn. * English: Staying silent sometimes implies tacit agreement. * Analysis: This example shows `意味着` being used for social or psychological implication, not just physical events. * **Example 6:** * 成为父母**意味着**你将承担巨大的责任。 * Pinyin: Chéngwéi fùmǔ **yìwèizhe** nǐ jiāng chéngdān jùdà de zérèn. * English: Becoming a parent means you will take on immense responsibility. * Analysis: This links a change in status (becoming a parent) to its inherent consequence (responsibility). * **Example 7:** * 公司的亏损**意味着**我们必须削减开支。 * Pinyin: Gōngsī de kuīsǔn **yìwèizhe** wǒmen bìxū xuējiǎn kāizhī. * English: The company's financial loss means we must cut spending. * Analysis: A clear, logical conclusion in a business context. The loss forces a specific action. * **Example 8:** * 他点了点头，但这并不**意味着**他完全同意。 * Pinyin: Tā diǎn le diǎn tóu, dàn zhè bìng bù **yìwèizhe** tā wánquán tóngyì. * English: He nodded, but that doesn't mean he completely agrees. * Analysis: This is a great example of nuance. An action (nodding) might seem to have one meaning, but the speaker clarifies that the logical conclusion is not so simple. * **Example 9:** * 科技的进步**意味着**生活方式的根本改变。 * Pinyin: Kējì de jìnbù **yìwèizhe** shēnghuó fāngshì de gēnběn gǎibiàn. * English: The advancement of technology signifies a fundamental change in lifestyle. * Analysis: A broad, societal-level use of the word to connect a major trend to its overall impact. * **Example 10:** * 放弃并不总是**意味着**你很软弱，有时它**意味着**你足够强大可以放手。 * Pinyin: Fàngqì bìng bù zǒngshì **yìwèizhe** nǐ hěn ruǎnruò, yǒushí tā **yìwèizhe** nǐ zúgòu qiángdà kěyǐ fàngshǒu. * English: Giving up doesn't always mean you are weak; sometimes it means you are strong enough to let go. * Analysis: A more philosophical or inspirational use, contrasting two different implications of the same action. ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== * **`意味着` vs. `是 (shì)`:** A very common beginner mistake is to use `是` (to be) for implication. * **Incorrect:** `乌云是要下雨了。` (Wūyún shì yào xià yǔ le.) - This is grammatically awkward. * **Correct:** `乌云意味着要下雨了。` (Wūyún yìwèizhe yào xià yǔ le.) * **Rule:** `是` states identity (A is B). `意味着` states implication (A implies B). * **`意味着` vs. `表示 (biǎoshì)`:** This is the most important distinction. * **`表示 (biǎoshì)` - To Express, Show, Indicate.** It's about a signal. A red light `表示` you must stop. A smile `表示` happiness. The signal and its meaning are directly and conventionally linked. * **`意味着 (yìwèizhe)` - To Imply, Signify.** It's about a logical consequence. * **Example:** Getting a promotion `表示` the boss is happy with your work (the promotion is a signal of approval). Getting a promotion `意味着` you have more responsibility (the responsibility is a consequence of the new role). * **`意味着` vs. `代表 (dàibiǎo)`:** * **`代表 (dàibiǎo)` - To Represent, Stand for.** This is symbolic or official. The color red can `代表` good fortune. The CEO `代表` the company. * **`意味着 (yìwèizhe)` - To Imply, Signify.** This is about consequence. * **Example:** The dove `代表` peace (symbolism). Seeing a dove `意味着` nothing in particular, unless you have a personal belief system. A peace treaty, however, `意味着` the war is over (consequence). ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[表示]] (biǎoshì) - To show, express, indicate (a more direct signal). * [[代表]] (dàibiǎo) - To represent, stand for (symbolically or as an agent). * [[说明]] (shuōmíng) - To explain, illustrate, show (often by providing evidence or clarification). * [[暗示]] (ànshì) - To hint, to suggest (used for subtle, indirect implications). * [[等于]] (děngyú) - To be equal to, to amount to (often used metaphorically, e.g., "Not answering is equal to refusing"). * [[就是说]] (jiùshì shuō) - That is to say, in other words (a phrase used to rephrase and clarify something). * [[因此]] (yīncǐ) - Therefore, so, for this reason (a formal conjunction that connects cause and effect, similar to the function of `意味着`). * [[结果]] (jiéguǒ) - Result, consequence. `意味着` is the verb that introduces the `结果`.