提示

• Pinyin: tí shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 提 = 扌(hand) + 是 (phonetic); 示 = pictograph of an altar, meaning to show or indicate

Meaning

To prompt; to hint; to remind; a hint or cue.

Can be used as both verb and noun. As a verb, means to give someone a hint or reminder. As a noun, refers to the hint or prompt itself. Common in educational contexts, software interfaces (error prompts), and everyday situations where subtle guidance is given.

Examples

1. 老师提示学生注意审题，不要看错要求。 The teacher reminded students to read the questions carefully and not misunderstand the requirements.
2. 手机上弹出一个提示，说存储空间不足。 A notification popped up on the phone saying storage space was insufficient.
3. 我给了他几个提示，他终于猜出了答案。 I gave him a few hints, and he finally guessed the answer.

Usage Guide

Context: education, technology, everyday

Tone: helpful

Do Say

• 系统提示密码错误。(The system prompts that the password is incorrect.)
• 谢谢你的提示！(Thanks for the hint!)

Don't Say

• 我提示你去买菜 — use 提醒 for reminding about tasks; 提示 is more for hints or clues

Origin & History

Compound of 提 (raise/bring up) + 示 (show/indicate), meaning to bring something to attention by showing or indicating.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal