'介意' (jièyì) is a verb meaning 'to mind' or 'to object to' something — typically used to ask whether someone feels discomfort, annoyance, or disapproval about a situation, action, or suggestion. The character 介 originally meant 'to introduce' or 'to intervene', and in this compound it carries a sense of 'being involved in' or 'taking issue with'; 意 means 'thought', 'feeling', or 'intention'. Together, 介意 literally suggests 'having a thought or feeling about (something)', which evolved into the modern sense of 'minding' or 'being bothered by'.

This word is frequently used in polite questions ('Do you mind if...?') and negative responses ('I don’t mind'). It’s common in everyday conversations involving requests, apologies, or adjustments to plans — for example, asking permission to open a window or change a meeting time. It’s rarely used in positive statements like 'I mind'; instead, speakers use 不介意 ('don’t mind') or phrases like 有点介意 ('a little bothered') for nuance.