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March 24, 2026
暧昧(曖昧)àimèi(ai4mei4)
The term '暧昧' (ai4 mei4) refers to something that is unclear, ambiguous, or vague, often implying a lack of transparency or certainty. It can be used to describe relationships, situations, or statements that are not openly defined, resulting in confusion or misinterpretation. Commonly, it carries a connotation of romantic ambiguity or indecision.
Strokes23Frequency#14755DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, '暧昧' often describes romantic situations where one party has feelings but does not express them clearly, leading to tension and speculation. This reflects societal norms around relationships, where direct communication may be avoided.
Memory Tip
Imagine a foggy night (the character 暧 symbolizes darkness) where you cannot clearly see the road ahead. The '昧' part sounds like 'me', suggesting that you’re unsure of your own path. Together, they depict a situation where you are lost in ambiguity, just like navigating through fog.
Meanings of 暧昧
àimèi(ai4mei4)
1vague
2ambiguous
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 暧昧
暧昧Simplified
曖昧Traditional
23Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#14755Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 暧昧
Podcast: 暧昧
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AI Study Notes for 暧昧
Quick Contrast
模糊 (móhú) - use 暧昧 when referring to romantic or interpersonal ambiguity, while 模糊 is more general for anything unclear.
Usage Notes
'暧昧' is often used in informal contexts, particularly in discussions about relationships where feelings are not clearly expressed. A common mistake is to use it in overly formal situations, where '模糊' (móhu) may be more appropriate. Be mindful of the tone; the word carries a subtle undertone of suspicion or doubt.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, '暧昧' connects well with other advanced vocabulary that deals with emotions and relationships, such as '爱情' (ai4qing2, love) and '关系' (guan1xi4, relationship). Focus on using it in contexts that describe complex emotional situations to enhance your comprehension and expression.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '暧昧' with '清晰' (qīngxī, clear) and use it inappropriately. For example, saying '他的话很暧昧' (his words are very clear) is incorrect; it should reflect ambiguity instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 暧昧
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The term '暧昧' (ai4 mei4) refers to something that is unclear, ambiguous, or vague, often implying a lack of transparency or certainty. It can be used to describe relationships, situations, or statements that are not openly defined, resulting in confusion or misinterpretation. Commonly, it carries a connotation of romantic ambiguity or indecision.
When to use 暧昧
'暧昧' is often used in informal contexts, particularly in discussions about relationships where feelings are not clearly expressed. A common mistake is to use it in overly formal situations, where '模糊' (móhu) may be more appropriate. Be mindful of the tone; the word carries a subtle undertone of suspicion or doubt.
暧昧 or something close to it
模糊 (móhú) - use 暧昧 when referring to romantic or interpersonal ambiguity, while 模糊 is more general for anything unclear.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '暧昧' with '清晰' (qīngxī, clear) and use it inappropriately. For example, saying '他的话很暧昧' (his words are very clear) is incorrect; it should reflect ambiguity instead.
Write 暧昧
暧
昧
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Grammar Patterns of 暧昧
暧昧 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. 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
他看她的眼神总是那么____。
His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her.
Example Sentences for 暧昧 (10)
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avague7
1
他看她的眼神总是那么暧昧。
tā kàn tā de yǎn shén zǒng shì nà mó ài mèi。
His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her.
