A1 noun Neutral

意味

/imi/

'Imi' refers to the meaning, significance, or sense of a word, phrase, or action. It is a fundamental noun used to ask for explanations of vocabulary or to inquire about the intention behind someone's behavior.

Examples

3 of 5
1

この言葉の意味を教えてください。

Please tell me the meaning of this word.

2

その発言の真の意味を検討する必要があります。

It is necessary to examine the true meaning of that statement.

3

それ、どういう意味？

What do you mean by that?

Word Family

Noun
意味
Verb
意味する
Adjective
有意義な
Related
意味論
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Memory Tip

The first kanji 意 means 'mind' or 'thought', and the second 味 means 'taste'. Think of 'imi' as the 'taste of the thought' inside a word.

Quick Quiz

すみません、この漢字の____を教えてください。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 意味

Examples

1

この言葉の意味を教えてください。

everyday

Please tell me the meaning of this word.

2

その発言の真の意味を検討する必要があります。

formal

It is necessary to examine the true meaning of that statement.

3

それ、どういう意味？

informal

What do you mean by that?

4

この論文では、幸福の意味を定義しています。

academic

This paper defines the meaning of happiness.

5

この契約変更の意味を説明してください。

business

Please explain the significance of this contract change.

Word Family

Noun
意味
Verb
意味する
Adjective
有意義な
Related
意味論

Common Collocations

意味が分かる to understand the meaning
意味がない to have no meaning / to be pointless
深い意味 a deep meaning
反対の意味 the opposite meaning
意味を調べる to look up the meaning

Common Phrases

どういう意味ですか？

What do you mean? / What does it mean?

意味深な

suggestive / full of meaning

意味不明

nonsensical / meaning unclear

Often Confused With

意味 vs 理由

Imi refers to the definition or significance, whereas riyuu refers to the cause or motive behind an action.

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Usage Notes

The word is highly versatile and can be used for dictionary definitions as well as the 'point' or 'value' of an activity. It is often used with 'suru' to form a verb meaning 'to signify'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Beginners sometimes use 'imi' when they should use 'riyuu' (reason) to ask why something happened, or 'wake' (circumstances).

💡

Memory Tip

The first kanji 意 means 'mind' or 'thought', and the second 味 means 'taste'. Think of 'imi' as the 'taste of the thought' inside a word.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from Sinitic compounds where '意' (intent) and '味' (flavor/nuance) combine to represent the essence of a communication.

Grammar Patterns

~の意味 (the meaning of ~) ~という意味だ (it means that ~) 意味がある/ない (to be meaningful/meaningless)
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Cultural Context

Japanese culture often emphasizes 'reading between the lines' (kuuki wo yomu), which involves searching for the hidden 'imi' in non-verbal cues.

Quick Quiz

すみません、この漢字の____を教えてください。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 意味

Related Vocabulary

解釈

The act of explaining or understanding the meaning of words,...

 翻訳

To change written or spoken text from one language into anot...

 意図

The specific purpose, aim, or plan someone has in mind when...

 理由

A noun used to explain the cause, motive, or justification f...

More language words

言及

B2

To mention, refer to, or touch upon a specific subject in speech or writing.

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