意义重大
Of great significance
Literally: Meaning (意义) + Heavy/Great (重大)
Use it to describe life-changing milestones or major professional breakthroughs that carry serious weight.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes events or decisions with massive, lasting impact.
- Combines 'meaning' and 'heavy' to show deep importance.
- Best for milestones, professional achievements, or historical events.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that isn't just important, but truly monumental. It suggests that an event or decision carries deep weight and will have a lasting impact on the future.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a college graduation
拿到学位对我来说意义重大。
Getting my degree is of great significance to me.
Discussing a new business partnership
这次合作对公司的未来意义重大。
This collaboration is of great significance to the company's future.
Texting a friend about a deep conversation
昨晚的谈话对我意义重大，谢谢你。
Last night's talk meant a lot to me, thank you.
Cultural Background
The phrase combines 'meaning' with 'heavy/great,' reflecting the traditional Chinese value that importance is measured by weight and stability. It is frequently used in official government documents and news broadcasts to signal the historical weight of an event. It gained even more traction in modern business and academic contexts to emphasize the long-term value of strategic moves.
The 'Weight' Trick
If you can replace the word with 'monumental' in English, `意义重大` is likely the right choice. It's about the 'weight' of the event.
Don't Overdo It
Using this for small things like 'I bought a new pen' makes you sound like a drama queen. Save it for the big wins!
In 15 Seconds
- Describes events or decisions with massive, lasting impact.
- Combines 'meaning' and 'heavy' to show deep importance.
- Best for milestones, professional achievements, or historical events.
What It Means
意义重大 is your go-to phrase for the big stuff. It’s not for choosing between tea or coffee. It’s for the moments that change the trajectory of your life or a company. In Chinese, the word 重 means heavy. When significance is 'heavy,' it means it has gravity. It pulls other things toward it. It carries a sense of responsibility and long-term consequence. If you say a meeting was 意义重大, you aren’t just saying it was good. You are saying that what happened there will be talked about for years.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase after a noun or a situation. You can say 这件事意义重大 (This matter is of great significance). You can also use it as an adjective to describe a noun, like 一个意义重大的决定 (A decision of great significance). It functions a bit like a formal 'big deal.' It’s very flexible. You can use it in writing, speeches, or even serious heart-to-heart talks with friends. Just remember to use it when the stakes are actually high.
When To Use It
Use it for milestones. Think about graduations, weddings, or landing your dream job. In a professional setting, use it for signing major contracts or launching a new product. If you are talking about history or social changes, this phrase fits perfectly. For example, a new law or a scientific discovery is almost always 意义重大. It’s also great for expressing gratitude when someone helps you in a way that changes your life. It shows you truly value the weight of their help.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for trivial daily tasks. If you finally cleaned your room, saying it’s 意义重大 sounds like you’re trying to win an Oscar for housework. Unless you are being intentionally funny or sarcastic, keep it away from small talk. Don't use it for what you ate for lunch or a casual movie you watched. If you use it too much, the 'weight' of the phrase disappears. It’s like crying wolf—if everything is 'monumental,' then nothing really is.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'weight' (重量) is deeply tied to value and morality. This goes back to ancient times. Important people were called 'heavyweights.' Serious matters were 'heavy.' This phrase reflects a worldview where importance is measured by the impact and the burden of responsibility. It’s a very grounded way of looking at the world. It suggests that meaningful things aren't light or fleeting; they have substance and they stay in place.
Common Variations
You might hear 影响深远 (yǐngxiǎng shēnyuǎn), which means 'far-reaching influence.' While similar, 意义重大 focuses more on the inherent value and meaning. Another one is 至关重要 (zhìguān zhòngyào), which means 'crucial' or 'vital.' You can also say 非同寻常 (fēi tóng xún cháng) to mean 'extraordinary.' If you want to sound even more poetic, you could use 举足轻重 (jǔ zú qīng zhòng), which describes someone whose every move matters.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly effective in professional settings but can be used emotionally in personal relationships to show deep appreciation.
The 'Weight' Trick
If you can replace the word with 'monumental' in English, `意义重大` is likely the right choice. It's about the 'weight' of the event.
Don't Overdo It
Using this for small things like 'I bought a new pen' makes you sound like a drama queen. Save it for the big wins!
The Power of 'Zhong'
The character `重` (zhòng) is the secret sauce here. In Chinese, being 'heavy' is a compliment for character and importance. It implies stability and value.
Examples
6拿到学位对我来说意义重大。
Getting my degree is of great significance to me.
Shows the emotional and life-changing weight of the achievement.
这次合作对公司的未来意义重大。
This collaboration is of great significance to the company's future.
Standard professional usage to emphasize strategic value.
昨晚的谈话对我意义重大，谢谢你。
Last night's talk meant a lot to me, thank you.
A warmer, more personal way to use a formal phrase.
晚饭吃什么，这可是个意义重大的决定！
What to eat for dinner? Now that is a decision of great significance!
Using a heavy phrase for a trivial choice creates a funny effect.
那个协议的签署在历史上意义重大。
The signing of that treaty was of great historical significance.
Classic academic/historical context.
迈出第一步总是意义重大的。
Taking the first step is always of great significance.
Used here to provide inspiration and acknowledge effort.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate phrase to complete the sentence regarding a major life event.
结婚是人生中一件___的事情。
Marriage is a major life milestone, so '意义重大' (of great significance) is the most fitting choice compared to 'casual' or 'average'.
Which phrase best describes a breakthrough in scientific research?
这项新发现对医学界___。
A scientific breakthrough has a major impact, making '意义重大' the correct professional descriptor.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality and Scale of '意义重大'
Used sarcastically or for very deep personal moments.
Deciding on a movie (sarcastic).
Talking about personal milestones with friends.
Buying a first home.
Standard for business, politics, and history.
International trade agreements.
Where to use '意义重大'
Graduation Ceremony
Receiving a diploma.
Boardroom Meeting
Signing a merger.
Scientific Lab
Curing a disease.
First Date
A life-changing meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! While it is common in news and business, you can use it in daily life to show you really care about something, like 你的支持对我意义重大.
重要 (zhòngyào) just means 'important.' 意义重大 is 'important' on steroids—it implies a deeper, more lasting significance.
Usually, we describe an event or a decision. If you want to describe a person's importance, you'd say they are a 重要人物 or they have a 举足轻重 position.
Yes, especially if you are thanking someone or talking about a big life update. It adds a touch of sincerity.
Not really. If something is significant in a bad way, you might say 后果严重 (hòuguǒ yánzhòng), meaning 'serious consequences.'
It's grammatically okay, but 意义重大 is already very strong. Adding 非常 (very) can feel a bit redundant, like saying 'very monumental.'
Yes, it frequently appears in HSK 5 and 6 levels, especially in reading passages about social issues or history.
You could say 意义不大 (yìyì búdà), which literally means 'meaning is not big.'
Yes, if they mean a lot to you personally, like finishing your first 5k run. It emphasizes your personal growth.
A common mistake is using it as a verb. Remember, it's an adjective phrase. You don't '意义重大' something; something 'is' 意义重大.
Related Phrases
至关重要
Crucial / Vital
影响深远
Far-reaching influence
举足轻重
To hold the balance / Play a decisive role
非同小可
No small matter
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