gùyì: 故意 - On Purpose, Deliberately, Intentionally

• Keywords: gùyì, 故意, intentionally, on purpose, deliberately, Chinese word for on purpose, meaning of gùyì, how to use gùyì, deliberately in Chinese, gùyì vs tèyì, unintentional in Chinese.
• Summary: Learn the meaning and usage of the essential Chinese word 故意 (gùyì), which translates to “on purpose,” “deliberately,” or “intentionally.” This comprehensive guide explores how to use `gùyì` in everyday conversation, its cultural and legal implications, and how it differs from simply doing something by accident. Discover how Chinese speakers express intent—whether in an argument, a playful tease, or a serious accusation—with practical examples and analysis to avoid common mistakes.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): gùyì
• Part of Speech: Adverb
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To do something with conscious intent and full awareness of one's actions; on purpose.
• In a Nutshell: `故意` is the go-to word for saying someone did something “on purpose.” It highlights that an action was not an accident, a mistake, or an oversight. While it can be neutral, it often carries a slightly negative or accusatory connotation, implying that the action was mischievous, inconsiderate, or harmful. It's the word you use when you think someone is intentionally causing a problem, but it can also be used playfully among friends.

• 故 (gù): This character's original meaning relates to “cause,” “reason,” or “incident.” Think of it as the “reason” or “cause” behind an action. It can also mean “former” or “old,” but in this context, “cause” is the key.
• 意 (yì): This character means “idea,” “thought,” “will,” or “intention.” It's composed of “sound” (音) over “heart” (心), vividly picturing an idea or intention originating from one's heart or mind.
• When combined, 故意 (gùyì) literally means “an action with an intentional cause” or “a thought (意) that is the cause (故).” This fusion perfectly captures the modern meaning of doing something deliberately and with a clear intention.

In both social and legal contexts in China, establishing intent is crucial, and `故意` is the word at the heart of this concept. Socially, accusing someone of being `故意` (“You did that on purpose!”) is a direct and often confrontational move. It shifts the focus from the action itself to the person's character and intentions. In a culture that values harmony (和谐, héxié), to `故意` do something that disrupts the peace or causes trouble for others can be seen as a significant social transgression. It implies a lack of consideration and respect for the group. This can be contrasted with the Western use of “on purpose.” While also accusatory, it might be used more casually. In a Chinese context, a direct accusation of `故意` can escalate a conflict more quickly because it's a direct challenge to the person's inner motivations, potentially causing them to lose “face” (面子, miànzi). Therefore, the denial, “我不是故意的” (wǒ bùshì gùyì de - “I didn't do it on purpose”), is one of the most common and important apologies in the language. Legally, `故意` is a direct parallel to the concept of *mens rea* (“guilty mind”) in Western law. Terms like `故意伤害` (gùyì shānghài - intentional injury/assault) or `故意杀人` (gùyì shārén - intentional homicide/murder) are standard legal classifications where intent is the key factor determining the severity of the crime and punishment.

`故意` is a very common word used in a wide range of situations, from serious arguments to lighthearted jokes.

• Making Accusations: This is its most frequent use. It's used to call someone out for an action you believe was intentional and usually negative.
  • e.g., “你是不是故意不接我电话？” (Nǐ shì bùshì gùyì bù jiē wǒ diànhuà? - “Are you deliberately not answering my calls?”)
• Denying Intent / Apologizing: The phrase “不是故意的” (bùshì gùyì de) is the standard way to say “I didn't mean to” or “It was an accident.”
  • e.g., “对不起，我不是故意的，我马上擦干净。” (Duìbùqǐ, wǒ bùshì gùyì de, wǒ mǎshàng cā gānjìng. - “Sorry, I didn't mean to, I'll clean it up right away.”)
• Playful Teasing: Among friends and family, `故意` can be used in a joking manner to accuse someone of being intentionally silly or mischievous.
  • e.g., “你肯定是故意穿这件衣服来跟我撞衫的！” (Nǐ kěndìng shì gùyì chuān zhè jiàn yīfú lái gēn wǒ zhuàngshān de! - “You definitely wore this outfit on purpose to match with me!”)
• Formal Statements: In news reports or official announcements, `故意` is used to describe a deliberate act, often with serious consequences.
  • e.g., “调查显示，火灾是人为故意纵火。” (Diàochá xiǎnshì, huǒzāi shì rénwéi gùyì zònghuǒ. - “The investigation shows the fire was an act of intentional arson.”)

• Example 1:
  • 你是故意的！
  • Pinyin: Nǐ shì gùyì de!
  • English: You did that on purpose!
  • Analysis: A short, direct, and very common accusation. The particle `的 (de)` is often added at the end in spoken Chinese to emphasize the state or manner of the action.
• Example 2:
  • 对不起，我真的不是故意的。
  • Pinyin: Duìbùqǐ, wǒ zhēnde bùshì gùyì de.
  • English: I'm sorry, I really didn't do it on purpose.
  • Analysis: This is the classic apology or defense against an accusation. `真的 (zhēnde)` adds emphasis, meaning “really.”
• Example 3:
  • 他故意把我的书弄湿了，我很生气。
  • Pinyin: Tā gùyì bǎ wǒ de shū nòng shī le, wǒ hěn shēngqì.
  • English: He deliberately got my book wet, and I'm very angry.
  • Analysis: This sentence clearly shows a cause-and-effect relationship. The `故意` action leads to the feeling of anger. `把 (bǎ)` is used to show disposal of the object (the book).
• Example 4:
  • 你是不是故意迟到，想让大家等你？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ shì bùshì gùyì chídào, xiǎng ràng dàjiā děng nǐ?
  • English: Did you deliberately arrive late because you wanted everyone to wait for you?
  • Analysis: A typical accusatory question using the “是不是 (shì bùshì)” structure. It questions the motivation behind the action.
• Example 5:
  • 他故意做了一个鬼脸，想逗我笑。
  • Pinyin: Tā gùyì zuòle yíge guǐliǎn, xiǎng dòu wǒ xiào.
  • English: He intentionally made a funny face, trying to make me laugh.
  • Analysis: This is a perfect example of `故意` used in a positive, playful context. The intent is not malicious but to entertain.
• Example 6:
  • 我觉得老板在故意为难我，总是给我安排最难的任务。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ juédé lǎobǎn zài gùyì wéinán wǒ, zǒngshì gěi wǒ ānpái zuì nán de rènwù.
  • English: I feel like the boss is deliberately making things difficult for me; he always assigns me the hardest tasks.
  • Analysis: `为难 (wéinán)` means “to make things difficult for someone.” Paired with `故意`, it strongly implies targeted, unfair treatment.
• Example 7:
  • 她假装没听见，我肯定她是故意的。
  • Pinyin: Tā jiǎzhuāng méi tīngjiàn, wǒ kěndìng tā shì gùyì de.
  • English: She pretended not to hear; I'm sure she did it on purpose.
  • Analysis: Here, `故意` is used to describe the intention behind another action, `假装 (jiǎzhuāng)` - to pretend.
• Example 8:
  • 你别生气，他说话就那样，不是故意要伤害你的。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bié shēngqì, tā shuōhuà jiù nàyàng, bùshì gùyì yào shānghài nǐ de.
  • English: Don't be mad, that's just how he talks; he didn't intentionally want to hurt you.
  • Analysis: A common way to mediate a conflict, explaining that someone's hurtful words were not intentional.
• Example 9:
  • 这家餐厅的服务员故意忽略我们，半天都不来点餐。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā cāntīng de fúwùyuán gùyì hūlüè wǒmen, bàntiān dōu bù lái diǎncān.
  • English: The waiter at this restaurant is deliberately ignoring us; it's been ages and he still hasn't come to take our order.
  • Analysis: `忽略 (hūlüè)` means “to ignore” or “to neglect.” `故意忽略` means to give someone the cold shoulder intentionally.
• Example 10:
  • 法律严惩故意破坏公共财产的行为。
  • Pinyin: Fǎlǜ yánchéng gùyì pòhuài gōnggòng cáichǎn de xíngwéi.
  • English: The law severely punishes acts of intentional destruction of public property.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the formal, legal usage of `故意`. It specifies that the crime is one of intent, not accident.

The most common mistake for learners is confusing `故意` with `特意 (tèyì)`. While both involve intent, their connotations are very different.

• 故意 (gùyì): Implies intent, often negative, mischievous, or against someone's wishes. It answers the question “Was it an accident?” with “No.”
• 特意 (tèyì): Means “specially” or “for a specific purpose.” It implies positive effort and consideration. It answers the question “Was this a special effort?” with “Yes.”

Common Mistake Example:

• Incorrect: 我故意为你买了这个礼物。(Wǒ gùyì wèi nǐ mǎi le zhège lǐwù.)
  • This sounds very strange, like “I maliciously bought this gift for you” or “I bought this gift for you against your will.” The listener would be confused and possibly offended.
• Correct: 我特意为你买了这个礼物。(Wǒ tèyì wèi nǐ mǎi le zhège lǐwù.)
  • This means “I specially bought this gift for you.” It conveys warmth, thoughtfulness, and special effort.

Rule of Thumb: If the intention is kind, thoughtful, or for a special, positive purpose, use `特意 (tèyì)`. If the intention is mischievous, harmful, or simply to point out that something was *not* an accident, use `故意 (gùyì)`.

• 特意 (tèyì) - To do something specially for a positive purpose; shows consideration. The “positive” counterpart to `故意`.
• 无意 (wúyì) - Unintentionally, inadvertently. This is a more formal antonym for `故意`. Example: `无意中发现…` (unintentionally discovered…).
• 不小心 (bù xiǎoxīn) - By accident, carelessly. This is the most common, colloquial way to say something was an accident. It's the opposite of `故意`.
• 存心 (cúnxīn) - To do something deliberately, with a harbored intention. It's a synonym for `故意` but often feels stronger and more premeditated, implying someone has been planning or “harboring” the intention for a while.
• 蓄意 (xùyì) - Premeditated, deliberate. This is a very formal and strong term, almost exclusively used in legal or journalistic contexts to describe planned crimes or attacks (e.g., `蓄意谋杀` - premeditated murder).
• 有意 (yǒuyì) - Intentionally, deliberately. A synonym for `故意` that can feel slightly more literary or formal. Its opposite is `无意`.
• 成心 (chéngxīn) - Intentionally, on purpose. A colloquial synonym for `故意`, very common in Northern China. It carries the same negative/accusatory connotation.