Definition
如意 (rú yì) as a verb means 'as one wishes', but it is mostly used in fixed expressions and blessings (e.g., 万事如意). Unlike 随意 (suí yì), which is a common adjective meaning 'at will' in everyday speech, 如意 has a more formal, wishful tone. As a noun, it refers to a traditional ornamental scepter symbolizing good luck.
verb
as one wishesaccording to one's desiresused in blessings and expressions of good fortune
noun
ruyi scepteran ornamental object symbolizing good luck and authority
Easily confused
- 如一rú yīsound-aliketo be consistent, to be the same, to stay unchanged (often in set phrases like 始终如一, 表里如一)
Examples
- 如意。Wǒ zhù nǐ shì shì rú yì.I wish you success in everything.
- 如意。Tā sòng gěi wǒ yì bǎ rú yì zuòwéi lǐwù.He gave me a ruyi scepter as a gift.
- 如意，。Shēnghuó bù kěnéng shì shì rú yì, dàn wǒmen yào bǎochí lèguān.Life can't have everything go as you wish, but we must stay optimistic.
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