<p>@Stan's comment is precise enough. To add my own interpret by deconstructing the words,</p>

<p><code>念</code> primarily means <code>idea</code> with a slight connotation of <code>motivation/intention</code>.</p>

<p><code>概</code> means <code>brief; summary; abstract</code>, hence <code>概念</code> is <code>the abstract of the idea</code> => <code>concept</code>.</p>

<p><code>观</code> is literally <code>view</code>, so <code>观念</code> is <code>the idea as you see it</code> => <code>opinion; view</code>.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-23T00:57:44.943Z
Curiously, I can't find the origin of 概念. Baidu entry is loaded with dialectal materialism jargon, as if it's a matter of fact. http://baike.baidu.com/view/45333.htm?fr=aladdin
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-22T22:52:13.990Z
2014-09-22T22:52:13.990Z
NS.X.
<p>If you use the term "观念",it means some thoughts deep in one's mind which instruct one's behavior.No matter the thought is right or wrong.
For example,In Chinese mind,saving money is important,but American may not think so.These are two kinds of thoughts（In this situation,we use Chinese the word"观念"） 
美国人和中国人在储蓄上的观念不同.
  If you use the term “概念”，it usually means “concept”
For example,if you have learnd physics,you would have the concept of gravity.You could translate the word “concept” into “概念” in Chinese.
  I'am Chinese,if I have made any mistakes in English or written something makes you confused,please correct me.I will be appreciate and happy to discuss with you.
:-)</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-23T14:26:56.707Z
It's my first time to post here.I didn't pay attention to the fomat of my answer,sorry for that.
haolan
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-23T16:37:59.930Z
I needed examples badly and I like yours. For a while yesterday, I thought I didn't really know what a concept was.
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-24T16:44:33.247Z
@GeorgeChen Sorry for my poor English,I don't really understand what you mean by saying"For a while yesterday, I thought I didn't really know what a concept was.You mean originally you understand the term"概念",but the original poster's question makes you confused.And my answer makes you clearer about the term"概念".
Do I get what you what to express? Sorry for my poor English.
haolan
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-24T17:26:38.037Z
I think the best way to explain "概念" is by giving examples (ostensive definition). I'm just beginning to realize that I have used some words whose meanings I did not really know. Your English is pretty good.
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-23T14:23:11.710Z
2014-09-23T14:23:11.710Z
haolan
<p>I recently read on jukuu.com “  它使老的观念向新的观念转变。”   This sentence makes sense, but I'm trying to figure out whether it would be much different if I used a term like "概念“ instead of 观念. Is there a clear distinction between the two? </p>

<p>Cheers </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-22T16:59:51.617Z
Concept in English can mean 1) view/idea of people; 2) abstract principle. But in Chinese, 1) is 观念, 2) is 概念.
Stan
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-22T17:33:14.800Z
@Stan You have a pretty good answer here. Why not just post it as answer?
LulalaBoss
<difference>
What is the difference between 概念 and 观念？
# What is the difference between 概念 and 观念？

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-09-22)

I recently read on jukuu.com “ 它使老的观念向新的观念转变。” This sentence makes sense, but I'm trying to figure out whether it would be much different if I used a term like "概念“ instead of 观念. Is there a clear distinction between the two?

Cheers

**Tags:** difference

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Concept in English can mean 1) view/idea of people; 2) abstract principle. But in Chinese, 1) is 观念, 2) is 概念.  
> **username_2**: @username_1 You have a pretty good answer here. Why not just post it as answer?  

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2014-09-22. Score: 5

@username_1's comment is precise enough. To add my own interpret by deconstructing the words,

`念` primarily means `idea` with a slight connotation of `motivation/intention`.

`概` means `brief; summary; abstract`, hence `概念` is `the abstract of the idea` => `concept`.

`观` is literally `view`, so `观念` is `the idea as you see it` => `opinion; view`.

> **Comments:**
> **username_4**: Curiously, I can't find the origin of 概念. Baidu entry is loaded with dialectal materialism jargon, as if it's a matter of fact. http://baike.baidu.com/view/45333.htm?fr=aladdin  

---

### Answer by username_5 on 2014-09-23. Score: 5

If you use the term "观念",it means some thoughts deep in one's mind which instruct one's behavior.No matter the thought is right or wrong.
For example,In Chinese mind,saving money is important,but American may not think so.These are two kinds of thoughts（In this situation,we use Chinese the word"观念"）
美国人和中国人在储蓄上的观念不同.
If you use the term “概念”，it usually means “concept”
For example,if you have learnd physics,you would have the concept of gravity.You could translate the word “concept” into “概念” in Chinese.
I'am Chinese,if I have made any mistakes in English or written something makes you confused,please correct me.I will be appreciate and happy to discuss with you.
:-)

> **Comments:**
> **username_5**: It's my first time to post here.I didn't pay attention to the fomat of my answer,sorry for that.  
> **username_4**: I needed examples badly and I like yours. For a while yesterday, I thought I didn't really know what a concept was.  
> **username_5**: @username_4 Sorry for my poor English,I don't really understand what you mean by saying"For a while yesterday, I thought I didn't really know what a concept was.You mean originally you understand the term"概念",but the original poster's question makes you confused.And my answer makes you clearer about the term"概念". Do I get what you what to express? Sorry for my poor English.  
> **username_4**: I think the best way to explain "概念" is by giving examples (ostensive definition). I'm just beginning to realize that I have used some words whose meanings I did not really know. Your English is pretty good.  

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