When preparing for the HSK Speaking Test (HSKK) or engaging in casual conversation, simple one-word answers like "Hǎo" (Good) often sound too brief. To sound like a native speaker, you need variety.
Whether you are agreeing with a dinner plan or approving a business proposal, this guide explores the specific vocabulary for "Good Idea" and the grammar needed to make suggestions.
1. The Core Vocabulary: Idea vs. Method
In English, we use "Idea" broadly. In Mandarin, you must choose the right word based on the context. Using the wrong one will cost you points in HSK Writing.
A. 主意 (Zhǔyi) - Idea / Plan
- HSK Level: 3/4
- Usage: Used for specific decisions or clever thoughts (usually positive).
- Example: 这是一个好主意。(Zhè shì yí gè hǎo zhǔyi.) - This is a good idea.
B. 办法 (Bànfǎ) - Method / Solution
- HSK Level: 3
- Usage: Used when solving a problem. If something is broken and you fix it, that’s a "good banfa," not "good zhuyi."
- Example: 这倒是个好办法。(Zhè dào shì gè hǎo bànfǎ.) - This is actually a good solution.
C. 想法 (Xiǎngfǎ) - Opinion / Way of thinking
- HSK Level: 4
- Usage: Abstract thoughts or viewpoints.
- Example: 我有不同的想法。(Wǒ yǒu bùtóng de xiǎngfǎ.) - I have a different opinion/view.
2. Five Ways to Say "Good Idea"
In HSK Listening dialogues, characters use various phrases to agree. You need to recognize all of them.
- 好主意 (Hǎo zhǔyì): Good idea! (Standard).
- 有道理 (Yǒu dàolǐ): Makes sense / That’s reasonable.
- Usage: Very common in debates or HSK 4 discussions.
- 听起来不错 (Tīng qǐlái búcuò): Sounds pretty good.
- Grammar: Verb + 起来 indicates assessment.
- 太棒了 (Tài bàng le): Excellent / Awesome!
- Usage: Strong enthusiastic agreement.
- 可行 (Kěxíng): Feasible / Doable.
- Context: HSK 5 Business/Formal contexts.
Related Guide: Need more ways to agree? Check out our list of 7 Ways to Say Yes in Chinese.
3. Grammar Focus: Structuring Your Suggestion
Once you agree that an idea is good, how do you add your own?
The "How about..." Question (Zenmeyang)
This is essential for HSK 2 and 3.
- Structure: We + [Action], + 怎么样?
- Sentence: 我们明天去爬山，怎么样？
- (Wǒmen míngtiān qù páshān, zěnmeyàng?)
- We go hiking tomorrow, how about that?
Formal Suggestions: 建议 (Jiànyì)
"Jianyi" can be a Noun (Suggestion) or a Verb (To suggest). This flexibility makes it a key HSK 4 word.
- Noun: 你有什么建议？(What suggestions do you have?)
- Verb: 我建议大家早点休息。(I suggest everyone rests early.)
Using "Why not": 何不 (Hébù) - Advanced
For students aiming for HSK 5/6, use this rhetorical structure.
- Sentence: 我们何不试一试呢？(Wǒmen hébù shì yí shì ne?)
- Why don't we give it a try?
4. Complex Sentence Practice (Writing Section)
In the HSK writing section, you often need to explain why an idea is good.
Connector Logic (Yinwei... Suoyi)
- Sentence: 我觉得这虽然是个好主意，但是由于时间不够，我们很难完成。
- (Wǒ juéde zhè suīrán shì gè hǎo zhǔyi, dànshì yóuyú shíjiān búgòu, wǒmen hěn nán wánchéng.)
- I think although this is a good idea, due to insufficient time, it will be hard for us to finish.
Deep Dive: Mastering complex connectors like Suiran/Danshi and Youyu is key for high scores. Review our guide on Mastering Chinese Conjunctions.
Conclusion
Knowing how to differentiate between 主意 (Idea) and 道理 (Reason/Sense) allows you to sound less like a textbook and more like a participant in the conversation.
Next time you are in a practice group, don't just say "Hao." Try saying: "这主意太棒了！" (This idea is awesome!).
Next Steps: Now that you can agree with ideas, learn how to gracefully decline the bad ones with our guide on Ways to Say No in Chinese.