隐患 yǐnhuàn a danger concealed within something
a danger concealed within something; hidden damage; misfortune not visible from the surface
How to remember 隐患: 隐 to hide + 患 suffering = a danger concealed within something.
Characters
How it is used
- A hidden danger / latent hazard waiting to cause trouble - 安全隐患 (ānquán yǐnhuàn) a safety hazard.
- Very common in safety/management contexts: a risk not yet visible but lurking; pairs with 排查隐患 (to investigate hidden dangers).
- Contrast 危险 (open, present danger) - 隐患 is a concealed problem that could erupt later.