主意 zhǔyi — idea, plan (a specific course of action)
idea, plan (a specific course of action)
Meanings
idea, plan (a specific course of action)
A specific idea for what to do — closer to "a plan" or "a bright idea" than to an abstract thought. 拿主意 is to make up one’s mind, and 出主意 is to suggest an idea to someone else who is deciding.
nounEasy to confuse in reading with the already-familiar 注意 (zhùyì, to pay attention) — similar shape, different tones, and a different second character. 主意 is something you have; 注意 is something you pay.
Example sentences
- 我们去公园玩儿，这是谁的主意？我們去公園玩兒，這是誰的主意？Wǒmen (third tone, dipping) qù (fourth tone, falling) gōngyuán (first tone, high and level) wánr, (second tone, rising) zhè (fourth tone, falling) shì (fourth tone, falling) shéi (second tone, rising) de (neutral tone) zhǔyi? (third tone, dipping)···
We’re going to play in the park — whose idea was this?
- 我有一个好主意，你们听听。我有一個好主意，你們聽聽。Wǒ (third tone, dipping) yǒu (third tone, dipping) yí (second tone, rising) ge (neutral tone) hǎo (third tone, dipping) zhǔyi, (third tone, dipping) nǐmen (third tone, dipping) tīngting. (first tone, high and level)···
I have a good idea — listen up.
Common mistakes
Not quite过马路的时候要主意安全。
Correct过马路的时候要注意安全。
The word for paying attention is 注意 (zhùyì) — with 主意 (zhǔyi) the tone changes and the meaning turns from "attention" to "an idea", which cannot fill this slot. The two are a classic reading trap, not a grammar choice.