Comparing "xiangfa" and "zhuyi"
想法 (xiǎngfǎ) and 注意 (zhǔyi) are both nouns that are often translated as "idea." 想法 is used more in informal settings, whereas 注意 is used in both informal and formal settings. 想法 is more of a thought or opinion, whereas 注意 is the classic "idea" (think "good idea!" as in a response to a plan that someone else proposes).
| 想法 (xiǎngfǎ) | 主意 (zhǔyi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | thought, opinion | idea |
| Part of Speech | noun | noun |
| Formality | informal | flexible |
Contents
Use 主意 (zhǔyi) for the classic "good idea"
Think of the friend who says, “let’s go out tonight” and you respond, “good idea!” This one is going to be used a lot in brainstorming sessions as well.
Common Phrases
- 好 主意！Good idea!
Discussing ideas and solutions may also involve these other phrases:
- 出 主意to come up with an idea
- 想 主意to think of ideas
- 有 主意to have an idea
- 没 主意no ideas
Example Sentences
- 这是一个好 主意。It's a good idea.
- 我觉得这个 主意 太好了。I think it's a great idea.
- 他们对我的 主意 感兴趣。They were interested in my idea.
- 她为什么改变 主意 了？Why did she change her mind?
- 你有没有 主意 了? 说给大家听听。Do you have an idea? Tell us all about it.
- 他想了很多 主意，但是都不行。He's thought of a lot of ideas, but none of them work.
- 我有 主意 了，我待会儿告诉你。I've got an idea, I'll tell you later.
Use 想法 (xiǎngfǎ) to say "thoughts" or "opinion"
想法 is less of a light bulb moment, and can be more complex. If you're discussing your views on race relations in the USA, or pros and cons of various possible vacation possibilities, these are 想法.
Common Phrases
- 我的 想法my thoughts
- 这个 想法this idea
- 好 想法good idea
