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March 24, 2026
暗示ànshì(an4shi4)
The verb 暗示 (ànshì) means to imply or suggest something indirectly rather than stating it outright. It is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts, such as giving subtle hints in conversation or suggesting ideas in a meeting without being explicit.
Frequency#2768DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the ability to hint or suggest rather than directly state opinions is often seen as a form of politeness and sophistication, reflecting the value placed on harmony and indirect communication.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shadowy figure in the background (暗, 'dark') subtly indicating something with a pointed finger (示, 'to show'). This imagery connects the idea of hinting or suggesting something without direct confrontation.
Meanings of 暗示
ànshì(an4shi4)
1to hint
2to suggest
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 暗示
暗示Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2768Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 暗示
Podcast: 暗示
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AI Study Notes for 暗示
Quick Contrast
提示 (tíshì) vs 暗示 (ànshì): use 提示 when giving a direct hint or suggestion, while 暗示 conveys a more indirect implication.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a shadowy figure in the background (暗, 'dark') subtly indicating something with a pointed finger (示, 'to show'). This imagery connects the idea of hinting or suggesting something without direct confrontation.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 暗示 with 直接 (zhíjiē, 'direct') and may use it when they mean to state something clearly. It is more informal and should be used in contexts where subtlety is appropriate. Be wary of tone; ensure you pronounce it as 'ànshì' (4th tone for both characters).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 暗示 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to communication and suggestion. Focus on its usage in context, such as in business discussions or interpersonal relationships, to grasp its nuance.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the ability to hint or suggest rather than directly state opinions is often seen as a form of politeness and sophistication, reflecting the value placed on harmony and indirect communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes misinterpret 暗示 as a synonym for 'advise' and might say '我暗示你这样做' (Wǒ ànshì nǐ zhèyàng zuò), which is incorrect. A better way to express advice is '我建议你这样做' (Wǒ jiànyì nǐ zhèyàng zuò).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 暗示
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Grammar Patterns of 暗示
暗示 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
有人____他是个种族主义者，他对此十分恼火。
He bristled with indignation at the suggestion that he was racist.
Example Sentences for 暗示 (10)
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1
有人暗示他是个种族主义者，他对此十分恼火。
yǒu rén àn shì tā shì gè zhǒng zú zhǔ yì zhě， ， tā duì cǐ shí fēn nǎo。
He bristled with indignation at the suggestion that he was racist.
2
他暗示我们妄自尊大地以为自己是个足球民族。
tā àn shì wǒ mén wàng zì zūn dà dì yǐ wéi zì jǐ shì gè zú qiú mín zú。
He suggested that we suffer delusions of grandeur as a football nation.
3
婚姻不忠会提升领导人可信度的暗示荒谬之极。
hūn yīn bù zhōng huì tí shēng lǐng dǎo rén kě xìn dù de àn shì huāng miù zhī jí。
The implication that marital infidelity enhances a leader's credibility is preposterous.
We reject any suggestion that the law needs amending.
10
如果我给点暗示，他没准会送我一段插枝。
rú guǒ wǒ gěi diǎn àn shì， ， tā méi zhǔn huì sòng wǒ yī duàn chā。
If I drop a few hints he might give me a cutting.
Cultural Notes for 暗示
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the ability to hint or suggest rather than directly state opinions is often seen as a form of politeness and sophistication, reflecting the value placed on harmony and indirect communication.
Frequently Asked Questions about 暗示
Yes, 暗示 can be used in formal contexts, but it is typically better suited for informal conversations where a subtle approach is preferred.
No, 暗示 implies a suggestion without directness, while 提议 is more about making a formal proposal.
You can say: '他暗示我应该换工作' (Tā ànshì wǒ yīnggāi huàn gōngzuò), meaning 'He hinted that I should change jobs.'
