暗示

• Pinyin: àn shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 暗 = 日 (sun) + 音 (phonetic), meaning dark/hidden; 示 = pictograph of an altar, meaning show/reveal

Meaning

To hint; to imply; to suggest indirectly. Conveying a message without stating it openly.

Used when someone communicates indirectly through words, gestures, or expressions rather than saying something outright. Can be intentional or subconscious. Also used as a noun meaning 'hint' or 'suggestion.' Common in interpersonal, psychological, and literary contexts.

Examples

1. 她用眼神暗示我不要再说下去了。 She used her eyes to hint that I shouldn't say any more.
2. 老板的话暗示这个项目可能会被取消。 The boss's words implied that this project might be cancelled.
3. 他说的那些话里有很多暗示，你听出来了吗？ There were a lot of hints in what he said — did you pick up on them?

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal, psychology, work

Tone: subtle

Do Say

• 他在暗示你应该早点回家。(He's hinting that you should go home earlier.)
• 她的表情暗示她并不同意这个方案。(Her expression hinted that she didn't agree with the plan.)

Don't Say

• 说'老师暗示了答案给我们' (Don't use 暗示 when someone directly tells you the answer — that's 告诉 or 提示, not a hint)

Origin & History

A compound of 暗 (dark, hidden) and 示 (show, reveal). Literally 'to show in a hidden way' — revealing meaning indirectly.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal