想法
xiǎngfǎ
The English phrase 'idea' is translated into Chinese as 想法 (xiǎngfǎ).
想法 is a common and neutral term used to describe a thought, a notion, a concept or any result of mental activity.
Meaning: any result of mental activity, a thought, a notion, a way of thinking (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 想法 is a compound of 想 (to think or to want) and 法 (method or way), literally meaning 'way of thinking'.
Which one should you use?
While 想法 refers to a general way of thinking or a notion, the word 主意 is used specifically when referring to a practical plan, a specific solution to a problem or a clever trick.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term 主意儿 is an informal variation commonly heard in the Beijing dialect.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of coming up with or conceiving an idea, the verb 想出 is commonly used with 想法.
How do you pronounce it?
xiǎngfǎ
Did you know?
- The character 想 contains the radical for 'heart' 心 at the bottom, physically showing that an 'idea' originates from the heart rather than just the brain.
- The word 法 in 想法 means 'method', but it is also the Chinese word for 'law' and is the name for the country of France 法国.
- The verb 想 used in 想法 can mean both 'to think' and 'to miss someone', meaning the root of 'idea' is the same word used for longing.
Examples in context
- 他改变想法了。He changed his idea.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 想法 with the verb 'to change'.Tatoeba #7787471 by jiangche, translation #8249327 by francaisr0wlet
- 他的想法是对的。He had the right idea.This sentence shows how to describe an idea as being 'right' using 想法.Tatoeba #1746055 by sadhen, translation #1745658 by Spamster
- 那是原创的想法。That's an original idea.This sentence illustrates the use of 想法 to describe an 'original' idea.Tatoeba #5613646 by verdastelo9604, translation #2784324 by sharptoothed
- 我有一个好主意，你觉得我的想法怎么样？I have a great idea, what do you think about my concept?
- 我们需要一个创新的主意来解决这个问题。We need an innovative idea to solve this problem.
- 我有个好主意儿！我们一起去爬山怎么样？I have a great idea! How about we go hiking together?
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a project plan.
- 梓涵 Zihan关于这个项目，你有什么想法？Guānyú zhège xiàngmù, nǐ yǒu shéme xiǎngfǎ?Do you have any ideas regarding this project?
- 伟 Wei我想尝试一种新的想法。Wǒ xiǎng chángshì yī zhǒng xīn de xiǎngfǎ.I want to try a new idea.
- 梓涵 Zihan这个想法听起来很有趣。Zhège xiǎngfǎ tīng qǐlái hěn yǒuqù.That idea sounds very interesting.
- 伟 Wei谢谢，梓涵，我明天详细告诉你。Xièxiè, Zǐhán, wǒ míngtiān xiángxì gàosù nǐ.Thanks, Zihan, I will tell you in detail tomorrow.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
