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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'having no intention' with 无意 (wúyì)

    Manner & Method
    Negation

    Structure

    无意中 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    The verb 无意 (wúyì) means 'to have no intention' or 'unintentionally.' When followed by 中, the phrase 无意中 means 'by chance' or 'accidentally,' indicating that an action happened without deliberate effort. It emphasizes that the result was unexpected.

    Examples

    • 我无意伤害你，真的很抱歉。

      Wǒ wúyì shānghài nǐ, zhēn de hěn bàoqiàn.

      I had no intention of hurting you; I'm really sorry.

    • 她无意中发现了一家很好吃的餐厅。

      Tā wúyì zhōng fāxiàn le yì jiā hěn hǎochī de cāntīng.

      She unintentionally discovered a really delicious restaurant.

    • 他无意中听到了这个消息。

      Tā wúyì zhōng tīng dào le zhè gè xiāoxi.

      He accidentally overheard the news.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'having no intention' with 无意 (wúyì) | Chinese Grammar