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概念 — meaning in English: concept

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

Guess the translation for conception
论文
lùnwén
hǎi
保费
bǎofèi
出版
chūbǎn
概念
gàiniàn
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 概念 (gàiniàn) in academic discussions, particularly in philosophy or social sciences, to describe abstract ideas and theories. You might hear it in a classroom setting when a teacher explains complex concepts or in a business meeting when discussing innovative strategies.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 观念 (guānniàn), which also means 'idea' but often carries a more subjective or personal connotation. You would use 概念 (gàiniàn) when referring to objective, theoretical frameworks, while 观念 (guānniàn) is more suited for discussing personal beliefs or perceptions.
Culture
The term 概念 (gàiniàn) has roots in the way Chinese philosophy has traditionally approached abstract thinking and categorization. Interestingly, the character 概 (gài) can imply 'general' or 'overall' while 念 (niàn) relates to 'thought' or 'idea', illustrating how the word encapsulates the essence of a broad idea formed in the mind. It's fascinating to see how this word reflects the Chinese emphasis on holistic thinking.
FAQ
Q.What does 概念 (gàiniàn) mean in English?
概念 (gàiniàn) translates to 'concept' in English, referring to an abstract idea or general notion that represents a category of things.
Q.How do I use 概念 (gàiniàn) in a sentence?
You can use 概念 (gàiniàn) in sentences like '这个概念很重要' (zhège gàiniàn hěn zhòngyào), which means 'This concept is very important.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 概念 (gàiniàn)?
A common mistake is using 概念 (gàiniàn) in overly casual contexts where simpler words would suffice. It's best reserved for discussions involving ideas, theories, or formal settings.
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