潜移默化 qiányí-mòhuà imperceptible influence
imperceptible influence; to influence secretly
How to remember 潜移默化: 潜 to hide + 移 to shift + 默 silent + 化 change = imperceptible influence.
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How it is used
- Idiom: to influence gradually and imperceptibly - 环境对孩子有潜移默化的影响 (huánjìng duì háizi yǒu qiányí-mòhuà de yǐngxiǎng) the environment shapes a child subtly over time.
- Positive or neutral, about slow unconscious change through exposure, e.g. culture, family, surroundings.
- Often used attributively with 的影响/作用; don't use it for a sudden or deliberate change.