初学中文的外国人对汉语中的一词多义现象往往感到非常困惑，特别是汉语中的两个词“东西”和“意思”。汉语的“意思”是一个很难翻译的词，如果望文生义，逐字对译，难免不会出笑话，有人把“小意思”翻译成a small meaning，把“不好意思”翻译成not good meaning， 把“意思意思”翻译成meaning meaning。这样荒唐的翻译可能是杜撰的，不过重点需要注意的是，汉语中字词的内涵和外延极其丰富，译者需要通过上下文，全方位的去把握，才能将原文的意思科学、艺术及创造性地重现。
“小意思”：
1、 微薄的心意（款待宾客或赠送礼物时的客气话）
Polite remark made while entertaining guests or presenting a gift
Small token of one’s regards: e.g.
这是我的一点儿小意思，送给你做个纪念。
This is a token of my esteem, just a little keepsake for you.
2、 指微不足道，算不了什么
Mere trifle; nothing important; not worth mentioning: e.g.
这点儿故障，小意思，一会儿就修好。
This trouble is nothing to me. I’ll settle it in a while.
“不好意思”
1、 害羞
Shy; embarrassed; bashful; feel ill at ease: e.g.
他被大伙儿笑得害羞了
He felt embarrassed by their laughter
2、 碍于情面而不便或不肯
Find it inappropriate or embarrassing to do sth due to one’s feelings: e.g.
虽然不大情愿，有不好意思拒绝
Find it difficult to refuse though unwilling to do sth.
“意思”
1、 意见；愿望
Opinion; wish; desire: e.g.
大家的意思是一起去。
Everyone wants to go together.
我想跟你合写一篇文章，你是不是也有这个意思？
I want to write an article together with you. Do you have the same wish?
2、 指表示一点心意
As a mere token: e.g.
大家受累了，得买些东西意思一下
Everyone has taken the trouble to help me. I’ll buy you something as a token of my thanks.
3、 某种趋势或苗头
Suggestion; hint; trace: e.g.
天有点要下雨的意思。
It looks like rain.
天气渐渐暖了，树木有点儿发绿的意思了。
It’s getting warm, and the trees look like sprouting.
4、 情趣；趣味
Interest; fun: e.g.
这颗松树长得像座宝塔，真有意思。
It’s very interesting to see the pine tree look like a pagoda.
他看着工业展览会上的新产品，感觉很有意思。
He found the new products at the industrial exhibition very interesting.
中国人说话很有艺术性，往往不像外国人有一说一，或者是有话就直说，往往模棱两可。送礼就是一门艺术，自古到今，延绵数千年，送礼的辞令也颇有讲究，请看如下一段有关“意思”的例子：
“这不过是点小意思。请您帮个忙！真不好意思！您就收下吧！这不是我的意思，我们经理说先‘意思意思’”。
“This is just a little reward. I feel awkward to ask you for a favor. Please receive it. This is not my suggestion, and our manager will take more consideration of your reward soon.”
