暗示

• Reading: あんじ
• Romaji: anji
• Kanji breakdown: 暗 (an) — dark, hidden; 示 (ji) — show, indicate
• Pronunciation: /aɴ.dʑi/

Meaning

Hint; suggestion; implication. Conveying meaning indirectly without stating it explicitly.

A noun and suru-verb (暗示する). Used when information, intent, or meaning is communicated obliquely — through tone, context, or implication rather than direct statement. Also appears in psychological contexts: 暗示をかける (to put someone under suggestion/hypnosis). Broader than 示唆 (suggestion), which is more intellectual; 暗示 has emotional and subconscious resonance.

Examples

1. 彼の言葉は退職を暗示していたが、誰も確認できなかった。 His words hinted at resignation, but no one could confirm it.
2. 作品の冒頭シーンが物語の結末を暗示していた。 The opening scene of the work foreshadowed the story's ending.
3. 催眠療法は強力な暗示を用いて行動パターンを変える。 Hypnotherapy uses powerful suggestion to change behavioral patterns.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, psychology, communication, analysis

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 暗 (an) means dark or hidden, 示 (ji) means to show or indicate. Together: 'showing in the dark,' i.e., indirect indication.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Educated