意味合(いみあ)い

いみあい
noun
implication, nuance, connotation
1. implication, nuance, connotation
The subtle meaning or significance that goes beyond the literal meaning.
儀式(ぎしき)的(てき)な意味合(いみあ)いが強(つよ)い。
It has strong ceremonial implications.
政治(せいじ)的(てき)な意味合(いみあ)いがある。
It has political implications.
その意味合(いみあ)いは分(わ)からない。
I don't understand the implications of that.

意味合(いみあ)い refers to the subtle, implied meaning beyond what is directly stated. It is derived from 意味(いみ) (meaning) + the suffix 合(あ)い (quality, nature).

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 〜的(てき)な意味合(いみあ)いがある: has ~ implications
  • 意味合(いみあ)いが強(つよ)い: has strong connotations
  • 意味合(いみあ)いを持(も)つ: to carry implications
  • 意味合(いみあ)いを込(こ)める: to imbue with significance

CONTRAST:

  • 意味(いみ): meaning (direct, literal)
  • 意味合(いみあ)い: implication, nuance (indirect, subtle)
  • ニュアンス: nuance (loanword; often interchangeable)

USAGE:
Common in discussions about language, politics, culture, and social customs — contexts where things carry symbolic or implied meaning beyond their surface.

Related Words

Related: 意味(いみ) (meaning (direct))
general
Added 2026.2.3 10:46 · Revised 2026.4.10 16:12
09500/09590_imiai