Chinese word

潜在

Pronunciation

Pinyinqián zài

Meaning

  • adjectivepotential

Example

他的能力有潜在的提升空间。tā de néng lì yǒu qián zài de tí shēng kōng jiān

His ability has potential for improvement.

Illustration for 潜在 (potential)

More examples

这次调研发现了几个潜在的客户群体。zhè cì diào yán fā xiàn le jǐ gè qián zài de kè hù qún tǐ

This survey found several potential customer groups.

Core concept

A quality or condition already exists beneath the surface but has not yet shown its effect.

Common phrases

  • 潜在影响qián zài yíng xiǎng

    potential impact

  • 潜在客户qián zài kè hù

    potential customers

  • 潜在因素qián zài yīn sù

    potential factors

Similar words

隐含的yǐn hán de: Contained within a meaning or intention without being openly expressed.
潜伏的qián fú de: Existing out of sight and able to become active or cause effects under certain conditions.

Definition in Chinese

目前没有表现出来但含有将来出现或起作用可能性的状态。mù qián méi yǒu biǎo xiàn chū lái dàn hán yǒu jiāng lái chū xiàn huò qǐ zuò yòng kě néng xìng de zhuàng tài

Word origin

潜 (qián, "hide or sink") + 在 (zài, "be present") combines hiddenness with existing presence, which suits qualities or conditions that may emerge later.

Usage tips

  • Common noun partners include ability, demand, risk, and problem, so the surrounding noun quickly shows whether the context is promising or worrying.

Other meanings

  • latentadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 潜在性qián zài xìngpotentialitynoun

Word lists with this word