同意
tóngyì
The English phrase 'agree' is translated into Chinese as 同意 (tóngyì).
同意 is a common term used to express being in harmony about an opinion, or to be in unison or concord. While 同意 is used for general agreement, other terms may be more specific: 赞成 is used to specifically convey the idea of approving or supporting a plan or idea and 认同 expresses a deeper level of agreement, indicating that you identify with or share the same values or beliefs. To agree enthusiastically or show excitement, you can use 好啊. To say 'that's right' or 'exactly', use 没错. For brief agreement or to confirm a statement, use 对.
Meaning: to be in harmony about an opinion, be in unison or concord, be united (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 同意 literally means 'same opinion'. It consists of 同 (tóng), meaning 'same' and 意 (yì), meaning 'opinion' or 'idea'.
Which one should you use?
While 同意 means to agree or concur, 赞成 specifically implies the act of approving or supporting an idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express disagreement, add the negation particle 不 before the verb to form 不同意.
How do you pronounce it?
tóngyì
Did you know?
- The character 意 is composed of two parts: a top part meaning 'sound' or 'noise' and a bottom part meaning 'heart'. This suggests that an 'opinion' or 'intent' is the sound of the heart.
- In many professional Chinese settings, instead of using 同意 to show agreement, people may use 明白 (míngbai), which means 'to understand'. This shifts the focus from shared opinion to successful communication.
- In high-context Chinese communication, a long silence or a hesitant 这个… before saying 不同意 is often a sign that the speaker is trying to disagree without causing a loss of face.
Examples in context
- 我不同意他。I don't agree with him.This sentence shows how to use 同意 to express disagreement with a person.Tatoeba #1778258 by sadhen, translation #2453 by CK
- 你不同意吗？Don't you agree?This sentence uses 同意 to ask a question about agreement.Tatoeba #7768002 by jiangche, translation #2136815 by GLOBULE38
- 好，我同意。Okay, I agree.This sentence shows a simple way to express agreement using 同意.Tatoeba #13854242 by LeviHighway, translation #12880775 by rul
- 我同意你的观点。I agree with your point of view.
- 我赞成这个提议。I agree with this proposal.
- 我完全认同你的看法。I completely agree with your opinion.
- 好啊，我们一起去吧！Sure, let's go together!
- 没错，这是最好的选择。Exactly, this is the best choice.
- 对，这个想法很好。Yes, this idea is great.
- 71 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a project plan.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你同意这个计划吗？Nǐ tóngyì zhège jìhuà ma?Do you agree with this plan?
- 伟 Wei我完全同意你的想法。Wǒ wánquán tóngyì nǐ de xiǎngfǎ.I completely agree with your idea.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen太好了，那我们就这么办。Tài hǎole, nà wǒmen jiù zhème bàn.Great, then that's what we'll do.
- 伟 Wei没问题，晓雯。Méi wèntí, Xiǎowén.No problem, Xiaowen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “agree” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
