意向 — meaning in English: intention

yìxiàng · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for intention

意向

yìxiàng

测量

cè liáng

英文

yīngwén

早餐

zǎocān

整合

zhěnghé

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers often use 意向 in business meetings or negotiations when discussing goals and objectives. For example, a manager might ask their team about their 意向 for upcoming projects to gauge their commitment and enthusiasm.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 目的 (mùdì), meaning 'purpose.' While 意向 refers to one's intention or willingness to act, 目的 emphasizes the end goal or aim of an action. You would use 意向 when discussing personal motivations or desires, while 目的 is more about the destination.

Culture

The character 意 (yì) represents 'idea' or 'meaning,' while 向 (xiàng) indicates 'direction' or 'toward.' Together, they reflect the concept of having a directed idea or intention. Historically, the term has evolved within the context of Chinese philosophy, where intention plays a significant role in moral decision-making and actions.

FAQ

Q.What does 意向 mean in English?

意向 translates to 'intention' in English. It refers to a person's purpose or desire to engage in a particular action or decision.

Q.How do you use 意向 in a sentence?

You can use 意向 in a sentence like: '我希望了解你的意向' (I would like to understand your intention). This shows a polite inquiry about someone's willingness or plans.

Q.Is 意向 used in everyday conversation?

While 意向 is more commonly used in formal contexts, it can appear in everyday conversations, especially when discussing plans or preferences. However, you might encounter it less frequently in casual settings.

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