示唆

• Reading: しさ
• Romaji: shisa
• Kanji breakdown: 示 (shi) — show, indicate; 唆 (sa) — prompt, instigate, suggest
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.sa/

Meaning

Suggestion; hint; implication. Refers to communicating something indirectly or implicitly, prompting thought or action without stating it outright.

A verbal noun used with する (示唆する, to suggest/imply). It is more formal and indirect than 提案 (proposal) or ヒント (hint). 示唆する often describes research findings that point towards something, or remarks that carry unstated significance. The passive 示唆される (it is suggested/implied) is common in academic writing. Often paired with 示唆を与える (to give an implication) and 示唆に富む (full of implications).

Examples

1. 最新の研究結果は、新たな治療法の可能性を明確に示唆していた。 The latest research findings clearly suggested the possibility of a new treatment.
2. 上司の何気ない一言には、人事異動への暗黙の示唆が含まれていた。 The manager's offhand remark carried an implicit suggestion of an impending personnel transfer.
3. この事件は制度上の構造的欠陥を示唆する重要な事例として注目された。 This incident was noted as an important case implying a structural flaw in the system.

Usage Guide

Context: academic writing, research, journalism, analysis

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound coined or consolidated in the Meiji era. 示 means to show or display, 唆 means to prompt or instigate. Together they describe the act of indirectly prompting someone towards a thought or conclusion.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated