yìtú: 意图 - Intention, Intent, Purpose

• Keywords: yitu, yìtú, 意图, intention in Chinese, purpose in Chinese, Chinese word for intent, 意图 vs 打算, 意图 vs 目的, Chinese grammar, learn Chinese
• Summary: Discover the meaning of 意图 (yìtú), the Chinese word for “intention,” “intent,” or “purpose.” This guide breaks down its characters, cultural context, and practical use in modern China. Learn the crucial difference between 意图 (yìtú), 打算 (dǎsuan), and 目的 (mùdì) to understand and express your plans and motivations like a native speaker. Perfect for HSK 5 learners and anyone wanting to grasp the subtleties of Chinese communication.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): yìtú
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: The underlying intention, aim, or purpose behind an action.
• In a Nutshell: 意图 (yìtú) is a relatively formal word that describes the “why” behind what someone does. Think of it as the mental plan or objective that drives an action. It's more serious than a simple idea (`想法 xiǎngfǎ`) or a casual plan (`打算 dǎsuan`) and is often used when discussing strategies, motives, or the true purpose of a particular behavior.

• 意 (yì): This character represents “idea,” “meaning,” “thought,” or “wish.” It's composed of 音 (yīn - sound) on top and 心 (xīn - heart/mind) on the bottom. You can think of it as the “sound of the heart/mind,” which is an idea or intention.
• 图 (tú): This character means “to plan,” “to seek,” “a scheme,” or “a map/diagram.” It depicts a boundary or enclosure (囗) with a design or plan (冬) inside.
• When combined, 意图 (yìtú) literally translates to “the plan of one's mind” or “a thought-out scheme.” This fusion creates a word that signifies a formulated, conscious intention, not just a passing thought.

意图 (yìtú) holds a more formal and analytical weight than the English word “intention.” While you can say “my intention is to be helpful” in English casually, using 意图 (yìtú) in a similar Chinese sentence would sound overly formal or even suspicious. Its significance lies in its use in situations where motives are being questioned or analyzed. In Chinese culture, understanding the underlying 意图 (yìtú) is crucial for navigating complex social and business relationships. Is the other party's intention cooperative (`合作意图`) or hostile (`敌对意图`)? This analysis determines the appropriate response. A good Western comparison is the difference between “plan” and “agenda.” Saying “I have a plan to finish this project” is neutral. Saying “He has an agenda” often implies a hidden or self-serving motive. 意图 (yìtú) can operate in both neutral and suspicious contexts, making it a powerful and nuanced term. It forces the listener to consider the deeper “why” behind an action, which is a key aspect of high-context communication prevalent in China.

意图 (yìtú) is most common in formal, analytical, or serious contexts.

• Formal/Official Contexts: You'll frequently see it in news reports, legal documents, political speeches, and business strategies. For example, analyzing a company's “strategic intent” (`战略意图`) or a country's “political intent” (`政治意图`).
• Interpersonal Conflict: When accusing someone or questioning their motives, 意图 (yìtú) is the perfect word. “What is your real intention?” (`你到底有什么意图？`) implies you suspect a hidden, possibly negative, motive.
• Connotation:
  • Neutral: When used objectively to describe a plan or purpose (e.g., “The architect's intention was to create more space”).
  • Negative/Suspicious: When used to question someone's motives, often implying a scheme or ulterior motive (e.g., “His friendly behavior hides a malicious intent”). It rarely carries a purely positive, warm feeling; for that, other words are better.

• Example 1:
  • 警方正在调查攻击者的意图。
  • Pinyin: Jǐngfāng zhèngzài diàochá gōngjīzhě de yìtú.
  • English: The police are investigating the attacker's intent.
  • Analysis: This is a classic, neutral-to-formal use of 意图. It's the perfect word for a legal or official investigation into someone's motive.
• Example 2:
  • 我不清楚他这么做的意图是什么。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bù qīngchǔ tā zhème zuò de yìtú shì shénme.
  • English: I'm not clear on what his intention is for doing this.
  • Analysis: This sentence expresses confusion and a bit of suspicion. The speaker is trying to figure out the underlying reason for someone's actions.
• Example 3:
  • 他的意图很明显，就是想获得我们的信任。
  • Pinyin: Tā de yìtú hěn míngxiǎn, jiùshì xiǎng huòdé wǒmen de xìnrèn.
  • English: His intention is very obvious; he just wants to gain our trust.
  • Analysis: Here, 意图 is used to state a clear, analyzed purpose behind someone's behavior. The tone could be neutral or slightly critical, depending on the context.
• Example 4:
  • 这家公司进入新市场的意图是挑战行业领导者。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī jìnrù xīn shìchǎng de yìtú shì tiǎozhàn hángyè lǐngdǎozhě.
  • English: This company's intent in entering the new market is to challenge the industry leader.
  • Analysis: A perfect example of business or strategic context. 意图 here means “strategic intent.”
• Example 5:
  • 你必须向我解释你的意图，否则我无法帮助你。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bìxū xiàng wǒ jiěshì nǐ de yìtú, fǒuzé wǒ wúfǎ bāngzhù nǐ.
  • English: You must explain your intention to me, otherwise I can't help you.
  • Analysis: This is a serious, direct demand for clarification. It implies that the current understanding of the person's motive is insufficient or suspect.
• Example 6:
  • 我完全没有伤害你的意图。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ wánquán méiyǒu shānghài nǐ de yìtú.
  • English: I have absolutely no intention of hurting you.
  • Analysis: A strong, formal denial. Using 意图 makes the statement sound more definitive and serious than simply saying “我不想伤害你 (wǒ bùxiǎng shānghài nǐ)”.
• Example 7:
  • 他的言辞暴露了他真实的意图。
  • Pinyin: Tā de yáncí bàolùle tā zhēnshí de yìtú.
  • English: His words revealed his true intentions.
  • Analysis: This highlights the use of 意图 to refer to a hidden or previously concealed motive that has now come to light.
• Example 8:
  • 政府声明其意图是促进经济稳定。
  • Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ shēngmíng qí yìtú shì cùjìn jīngjì wěndìng.
  • English: The government stated its intention is to promote economic stability.
  • Analysis: A very formal, official usage suitable for political and economic news.
• Example 9:
  • 这个设计的主要意图是为了节省能源。
  • Pinyin: Zhège shèjì de zhǔyào yìtú shì wèile jiéshěng néngyuán.
  • English: The main purpose of this design is to save energy.
  • Analysis: Here, 意图 is used to describe the purpose or aim of an inanimate object's design, which is a common, neutral application.
• Example 10:
  • 他接近你，恐怕是别有意图。
  • Pinyin: Tā jiējìn nǐ, kǒngpà shì bié yǒu yìtú.
  • English: I'm afraid he has ulterior motives for getting close to you.
  • Analysis: The phrase `别有意图 (bié yǒu yìtú)` is a set expression meaning “to have other/ulterior motives.” This clearly shows the negative potential of the word.

The most common mistake for learners is using 意图 (yìtú) in casual, everyday situations where 打算 (dǎsuan) or 想 (xiǎng) would be more appropriate.

• 意图 (yìtú): The underlying purpose or motive (Noun). More formal and analytical.
• 打算 (dǎsuan): A plan; what one intends to do (Verb/Noun). More casual and common for daily activities.
• 目的 (mùdì): The final goal or objective (Noun). Focuses on the end result.

Incorrect Usage:

• Wrong: 我今天的意图是去超市。 (Wǒ jīntiān de yìtú shì qù chāoshì.)
• Why it's wrong: This sounds overly dramatic and strange, as if going to the supermarket is part of a grand, secret scheme.
• Correct: 我今天打算去超市。 (Wǒ jīntiān dǎsuan qù chāoshì.) - “I plan to go to the supermarket today.”
• Correct: 我今天想去超市。 (Wǒ jīntiān xiǎng qù chāoshì.) - “I want to go to the supermarket today.”

Rule of Thumb: If you're talking about a simple plan for your day or week, use 打算 (dǎsuan). If you are analyzing the strategic motive behind a company's actions, a politician's speech, or a character's behavior in a story, 意图 (yìtú) is the right choice.

• 目的 (mùdì) - Goal, objective, target. While 意图 is the intention *behind* an action, 目的 is the final *destination* or result you want to achieve.
• 打算 (dǎsuan) - To plan, to intend. A much more common and casual word for everyday plans.
• 企图 (qǐtú) - To attempt, to try; an attempt. A close relative of 意图, but 企图 almost always carries a negative connotation of a failed or malicious scheme. If someone's 意图 is bad, their action is a 企图.
• 动机 (dòngjī) - Motive, motivation. This is the psychological or emotional reason that *gives rise* to an 意图. 动机 is the “why,” while 意图 is the “what” (what is the intended plan).
• 想法 (xiǎngfǎ) - Idea, way of thinking, opinion. A very general and neutral term for any thought in your head. An 意图 is a more developed and purposeful 想法.
• 故意 (gùyì) - On purpose, intentionally (Adverb). Describes an action done deliberately. If you have an 意图 to do something, you do it 故意.
• 用心 (yòngxīn) - Motive; intention (often implies care or a hidden agenda). `别有用心 (bié yǒu yòngxīn)` is a common phrase meaning “to have an ulterior motive.” It's very similar to `别有意图`.