概念
gàiniàn
The English word concept is translated into Chinese as 概念 (gàiniàn) or 观念. Wiktionary also lists 觀念 / 观念 (guānniàn).
Meaning: something understood and retained in the mind (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 概念 | gàiniàn |
| 觀念 / 观念 | guānniàn |
Use 概念 for abstract, academic or technical concepts. Use 观念 when referring to a person's mindset, social values or preconceived notions.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 概念 (gàiniàn) is composed of 概, meaning to summarize or generalize and 念, meaning an idea or thought.
Which one should you use?
概念 (gàiniàn) is used for abstract, academic or technical concepts. In contrast, 观念 (guānniàn) is used to describe a person's notions, beliefs or values, such as a moral or cultural mindset.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form 觀念 uses traditional Chinese characters and is used in Taiwan and Hong Kong, while the form 观念 uses simplified characters and is used in Mainland China.
How do you pronounce it?
gàiniàn
Did you know?
- The character 概 in 概念 originally referred to a bamboo screen used to cover things, mirroring the English idea of a 'general' summary that covers a broad area.
- In modern slang, someone might be described as 没概念 (méi gàiniàn), which literally means 'having no concept', but is used to say they have no clue or no sense of scale regarding a situation.
- The character 念 (niàn) in both terms does not just mean 'idea', but is also the same character used for the verb 'to miss' or 'to long for' someone.
Examples in context
- 我明白这概念。I understand the concept.This sentence shows how to express understanding of a concept using 概念.Tatoeba #5911674 by verdastelo9604, translation #4666468 by CK
- 這是一個東方的概念，用西班牙語不太好解釋。This is an East Asian concept — it's a little tricky to explain in Spanish.This sentence illustrates how to describe a specific cultural concept using 概念.Tatoeba #6952650 by xjjAstrus, translation #6956710 by znc
- 我觉得这个网站的概念非常好。I really like the concept of this website.This sentence demonstrates how to express liking the concept of something using 概念.Tatoeba #332466 by sysko, translation #386740 by CK
- 学术概念Academic concept
- 这个概念很难理解This concept is difficult to understand
- 我有一个好点子，你觉得这个念头如何？I have a good idea, what do you think of this concept?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
浩然 and 梓涵 are discussing a new design project.
- 浩然 Haoran这个设计的概念是什么？Zhège shèjì de gàiniàn shì shénme?What is the concept of this design?
- 梓涵 Zihan我们要表达的是极简主义概念。Wǒmen yào biǎodá de shì jí jiǎn zhǔyì gàiniàn.We want to express the concept of minimalism.
- 浩然 Haoran我理解这个概念了。Wǒ lǐjiě zhège gàiniàn le.I understand this concept now.
- 梓涵 Zihan太好了，那我们开始做吧。Tài hǎole, nà wǒmen kāishǐ zuò ba.Great, let's start working then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “concept” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
