间接

• Pinyin: jiàn jiē
• Hanzi breakdown: 间 = 门 (door) + 日 (sun), meaning between/gap; 接 = 扌(hand) + 妾 (concubine), meaning to connect

Meaning

Indirect. Not directly connected or caused.

Describes relationships, effects, or methods that are not direct. Used in various contexts including communication, causation, and relationships. The opposite is 直接 (direct).

Examples

1. 吸烟不仅伤害自己，还会间接影响身边人的健康。 Smoking not only harms oneself but also indirectly affects the health of those around you.
2. 他通过间接的方式向她表达了好感，但她没有察觉。 He expressed his interest in her through indirect means, but she didn't notice.
3. 这个问题的答案可以从文章中间接推断出来。 The answer to this question can be indirectly inferred from the article.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, business, analysis, communication

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 这是间接原因。(This is an indirect cause.)
• 他间接地拒绝了邀请。(He indirectly declined the invitation.)

Don't Say

• 我间接地看见他 (Seeing is direct perception — 间接 is for abstract connections, not sensory experiences)

Origin & History

Compound of 间 (between, gap) + 接 (to connect), meaning connected through an intermediary.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated