暗示 ànshì to hint
to hint; to suggest; hint; suggestion
How to remember 暗示: 暗 dark + 示 sign = to hint.
Characters
How it is used
- To hint/imply/suggest indirectly - 暗示他离开 (ànshì tā líkāi) hint that he should leave, 心理暗示 (xīnlǐ ànshì) psychological suggestion.
- Both verb and noun; means conveying meaning covertly rather than stating it (暗 = hidden).
- Contrast 提示 (tíshì, an open reminder/prompt); 暗示 is deliberately indirect. Opposite of 明说 (say outright) - 有话明说 (yǒu huà míngshuō) say what you mean.
Example sentences
- 你想暗示什么？ Nǐ xiǎng ànshì shénme?What are you driving at?
- 你在暗示什么？ Nǐ zài ànshì shénme?What are you driving at?
- 您在暗示什么？ Nín zài ànshì shénme?What are you driving at?