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意味合い (いみあい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word Freq. Frequency Top 20,000 Meanings 1
noun
implication ; nuance ; connotation
Refers to the subtle shade of meaning, implied feeling, or connotation behind words, actions, or situations. Often used when discussing the finer points of communication.
この 表ひょう 現げん は 文ぶん 脈みゃく に よっ て 意い 味み 合あ い が 変か わる 。
The nuance of this expression changes depending on the context.
Similar words 意い 味み 意味 is the general word for 'meaning', while 意味合い focuses on the subtle nuance or connotation beyond the literal meaning.
ニュアンス ニュアンス is a loanword for 'nuance' and is often interchangeable, but 意味合い can feel slightly more formal or analytical.
Etymology Compound of 意味 (imi, 'meaning') + 合い (ai, the continuative form of 合う, 'to match, fit together'). Literally 'meaning-fitting', it refers to the way meanings come together to create a particular shade or implication.
