Meanings of 隱
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 隱
Podcast: 隱
Podcast: 隱
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 隱
隐 (yǐn) vs 藏 (cáng) — use 隐 when referring to secrets or hidden aspects, whereas 藏 is more about physical concealment or storing.
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 隱, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning. In formal contexts, it is often used in literature or discussions about privacy, while in informal situations, it could describe a hidden object or personal secret.
Although 隱 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to words related to secrecy or concealment. Focus on using it in conjunction with other words that describe feelings or states, such as 隱私 (yǐnsī - privacy) to enhance vocabulary at higher levels.
Learners often confuse 隱 with its simpler synonyms like 藏 (cáng - to hide), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我隱我的书' (Wǒ yǐn wǒ de shū) is incorrect; it should be '我藏我的书' (Wǒ cáng wǒ de shū).
Pronunciation of 隱
Drill the tone of 隱 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 隱
Simplified form of 隱. Phonosemantic compound. 阝 represents the meaning and 㥯 represents the sound.
A place 阝 to hide when worried 㥯
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 隱
Simplified form of 隱. Phonosemantic compound. 阝 represents the meaning and 㥯 represents the sound.
- 1The giveawayA place 阝 to hide when worried 㥯
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 隱? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 隱?
Decomposition of 隱
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 隱?
How to say to hide, to conceal; secret, hidden in Chinese
“to hide, to conceal; secret, hidden” in Chinese is隱
The character 隱 (yǐn) means to hide or conceal something, and it often refers to secrets or hidden aspects of life. It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing hidden talents, secrets, or even physical concealment in terms of objects or locations.
When to use 隱
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 隱, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning. In formal contexts, it is often used in literature or discussions about privacy, while in informal situations, it could describe a hidden object or personal secret.
隱 or something close to it
隐 (yǐn) vs 藏 (cáng) — use 隐 when referring to secrets or hidden aspects, whereas 藏 is more about physical concealment or storing.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 隱 with its simpler synonyms like 藏 (cáng - to hide), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我隱我的书' (Wǒ yǐn wǒ de shū) is incorrect; it should be '我藏我的书' (Wǒ cáng wǒ de shū).
Write 隱
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 隱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 隱
While Western cultures might emphasize openness and transparency, Chinese culture often values the idea of keeping certain things hidden or private as a form of respect or consideration for others.
Word Family of 隱
Compound Meaning
What does 隐藏 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 隱
You can say '他隱藏了他的感受' (Tā yǐncángle tā de gǎnshòu) meaning 'He concealed his feelings.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 隱?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.