Chinese word

暗示

Pronunciation

Pinyinàn shì

Meaning

  • nounhint

Example

这句话给了我一个暗示。zhè jù huà gěi le wǒ yí gè àn shì

This sentence gave me a hint.

Illustration for 暗示 (hint)

More examples

她的表情带有暗示。tā de biǎo qíng dài yǒu àn shì

Her expression contained a hint.

Core concept

A quiet signal that points toward a meaning without stating it directly.

Common phrases

  • 带有暗示dài yǒu àn shì

    contain a hint

  • 一个明显的暗示yí gè míng xiǎn de àn shì

    obvious hint

Similar words

提示tí shì: A clear notice or piece of information that helps guide someone's attention or action.
线索xiàn suǒ: A piece of information or evidence that helps reveal the answer to a problem or case.
信号xìn hào: A sound, light, or other signal that informs people or machines of an action or state.
迹象jì xiàng: An outward sign showing that an event or change has begun or is taking place.

Definition in Chinese

通过不直接说明而使对方察觉、领会的提示或表示，常用作名词，也可作动词。tōng guò bù zhí jiē shuō míng ér shǐ duì fāng chá jué lǐng huì de tí shì huò biǎo shì cháng yòng zuò míng cí yě kě zuò dòng cí

Word origin

暗示 (ànshì, "hint") combines 暗 (àn, "hidden or dim") with 示 (shì, "show"), forming the idea of showing something indirectly rather than stating it.

Usage tips

  • Chinese uses the same form for the indirect message and the act of conveying it, so surrounding grammar shows whether it is a noun or a verb.

Other meanings

  • indicationnoun
  • hint atverb

Word lists with this word