Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
隐情 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
隐情yǐnqíngsth one wishes to keep secretHSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #18589, Very Hard
隐情yǐnqíngulterior motiveHSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #18589, Very Hard
隐情yǐnqínga subject best avoidedHSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #18589, Very Hard
yǐnqíng(yin3qing2) T3
  1. 1sth one wishes to keep secret
  2. 2ulterior motive
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

隐情(隱情)yǐnqíng(yin3qing2)

隐情 (yǐnqíng) refers to a situation or information that someone prefers to keep secret or hidden, often implying a deeper, ulterior motive behind someone's actions. It is commonly used in contexts involving personal relationships, confidential matters, or when discussing sensitive topics that are better left unspoken.

Strokes22Frequency#18589DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, discussing '隐情' can be sensitive, as it often relates to personal relationships and family matters. The concept of maintaining face or '面子' (miànzi) makes people hesitant to openly discuss hidden feelings.

Memory Tip

Think of '隐' (yǐn) as a door that is slightly ajar, suggesting something hidden inside, while '情' (qíng) relates to emotions or feelings. Imagine a secretive conversation behind that door, where hidden feelings or motives are discussed quietly.

Meanings of 隐情

yǐnqíng(yin3qing2)
1sth one wishes to keep secret
2ulterior motive
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 隐情

隐情Simplified
隱情Traditional
22Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 隐情

JasonAmy

Podcast: 隐情

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 隐情

Quick Contrast

隐情 (yǐnqíng) vs 秘密 (mìmì) — use 隐情 when emphasizing the hidden motives or context behind the secrecy, while 秘密 simply denotes something that is kept hidden.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone; it should be pronounced with a rising tone on '隐' and a falling tone on '情'. This term is often used in serious or formal discussions, so avoid using it in casual chat. A common collocation is '隐情未了' (yǐnqíng wèiliǎo), which means unresolved hidden matters.

HSK Study Tips

This word is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, but understanding it can enhance comprehension of nuanced conversations in advanced Mandarin. Focus on its components and context to connect with related vocabulary, especially in discussions about emotions or motivations.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 隐情 with other terms like 隐秘 (yǐnmì), which means 'hidden' or 'secret' more broadly. For instance, saying '我有隐情' (wǒ yǒu yǐnqíng) can sound awkward; it's better to specify what the hidden feelings are.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 隐情

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 隐情 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

隐yǐnsecret
HSK 611 strokes阝
View full entry
情qíngfeeling
HSK 711 strokes忄
View full entry

How to say sth one wishes to keep secret in Chinese

“sth one wishes to keep secret” in Chinese is隐情yǐnqíng

隐情 (yǐnqíng) refers to a situation or information that someone prefers to keep secret or hidden, often implying a deeper, ulterior motive behind someone's actions. It is commonly used in contexts involving personal relationships, confidential matters, or when discussing sensitive topics that are better left unspoken.

When to use 隐情

Be cautious with the tone; it should be pronounced with a rising tone on '隐' and a falling tone on '情'. This term is often used in serious or formal discussions, so avoid using it in casual chat. A common collocation is '隐情未了' (yǐnqíng wèiliǎo), which means unresolved hidden matters.

隐情 or something close to it

隐情 (yǐnqíng) vs 秘密 (mìmì) — use 隐情 when emphasizing the hidden motives or context behind the secrecy, while 秘密 simply denotes something that is kept hidden.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 隐情 with other terms like 隐秘 (yǐnmì), which means 'hidden' or 'secret' more broadly. For instance, saying '我有隐情' (wǒ yǒu yǐnqíng) can sound awkward; it's better to specify what the hidden feelings are.

Write 隐情

隐
情

Practice writing 隐情 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Frequently Asked Questions about 隐情

隐情 often refers to hidden motives or feelings that are not openly discussed, while 秘密 simply means a secret without the emotional or relational implications.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 隐情?

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.