Definition
打主意 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to scheme, to plan, or to set one's sights on something/someone'. The verb 打 separates from the noun 主意 when you insert a possessive or a modifier: 打他的主意 ('have designs on him'). The tone can be neutral (just planning) or negative (taking unfair advantage), depending on context. You'll often see it in the pattern 打 + someone's + 主意 when the target is a person.
v.o.
to schemeto devise a plan (often with a target in mind)to set one's sights on (someone or something)to try to obtain
Examples
- 。Tā yìzhí zài dǎ nà ge zhíwèi de zhǔyi.He's been scheming for that position all along.
- ，。Nǐ bié dǎ wǒ de zhǔyi, wǒ bú huì bāng nǐ de.Don't try to use me — I won't help you.
- 。Tāmen zhèngzài dǎ yí gè zhuàn qián de zhǔyi.They're cooking up a plan to make money.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.