潜在 qiánzài hidden
hidden; potential; latent
How to remember 潜在: 潜 to hide + 在 at = hidden.
Characters
How it is used
- Attributive adjective 'potential/latent' - 潜在的风险 (qiánzài de fēngxiǎn) potential risk; 潜在客户 potential customer.
- Nearly always used before a noun with 的; describes something present but not yet visible or realized.
- Compare 潜能 (qiánnéng, latent capability, a noun) and 可能 (kěnéng, possible); 潜在 = existing beneath the surface.