不透明的
不透明的 في 30 ثانية
- Literally means 'opaque' for physical materials that block light.
- Figuratively describes systems or processes that lack clarity or openness.
- Commonly used in business and politics to criticize a lack of transparency.
- Functions as an adjective, typically requiring the '的' particle when modifying nouns.
The Chinese term 不透明的 (bù tòumíng de) is a versatile adjective that bridges the gap between the physical world and abstract concepts. At its most basic, literal level, it describes a physical material that does not allow light to pass through, such as a brick wall or a piece of heavy cardboard. However, in modern Mandarin, its use has expanded significantly into the realms of politics, economics, and interpersonal relationships to describe systems, processes, or behaviors that lack clarity or openness. When you describe something as bù tòumíng de, you are often suggesting that there is a lack of accountability or that information is being intentionally withheld.
- Literal Physicality
- Describes materials like wood, metal, or frosted glass that block vision and light. For example, a bathroom window might be intentionally made of 不透明的玻璃 (opaque glass) to ensure privacy.
这扇窗户是用不透明的材料做的,所以外面看不进来。 (This window is made of opaque material, so one cannot see in from the outside.)
- Metaphorical Opacity
- Used to describe complex systems, such as a company's financial records or a government's decision-making process, where the internal workings are hidden from the public eye. In this context, it carries a tone of criticism, implying a lack of 'transparency' in the modern civic sense.
Furthermore, the term can be applied to human emotions or intentions. If someone's motives are described as bù tòumíng, it suggests they are being secretive or 'shady.' This usage is particularly common in high-stakes negotiations where trust has not yet been established. The suffix '的' (de) is essential here as it transforms the noun-like concept of 'non-transparency' into a functional adjective that can modify any noun. Without the '的', the term '不透明' functions more like a state or a noun, often appearing at the end of a sentence or as a subject. Understanding the nuance between the physical 'blocked light' and the metaphorical 'blocked information' is key to mastering this B1-level vocabulary word.
市场的运作方式非常不透明,让投资者感到不安。 (The way the market operates is very opaque, making investors feel uneasy.)
- Linguistic Composition
- The word is composed of '不' (not), '透' (to penetrate/through), and '明' (bright/clear). Literally, it means 'not through-bright,' which is a vivid way to conceptualize the lack of light or information passage.
Using 不透明的 correctly requires an understanding of Chinese adjective placement. Generally, as an attributive adjective, it precedes the noun it modifies, connected by the particle '的'. For example, '不透明的液体' (opaque liquid). However, when used as a predicate (describing a subject), the '的' is often optional depending on the emphasis, though '是很不透明的' is a very common structure to emphasize the quality of opacity.
他给出的理由非常不透明,没人知道他的真实意图。 (The reasons he gave are very opaque; no one knows his true intentions.)
In formal writing, you will often see it paired with words like '程序' (procedure), '决策' (decision-making), or '运作' (operation). In these cases, it serves to critique a lack of institutional openness. For instance, '不透明的决策过程' (an opaque decision-making process) is a standard phrase in political science and business journalism. It implies that the steps taken to reach a conclusion were hidden from those affected by the decision.
- Pattern: Subject + [很/非常] + 不透明
- Used to describe a state. '这个算法是不透明的。' (This algorithm is opaque.)
- Pattern: 不透明的 + Noun
- Used to modify a noun directly. '我不喜欢这种不透明的交易。' (I don't like this kind of opaque transaction.)
我们需要改变这种不透明的管理模式。 (We need to change this opaque management model.)
When using the word in a scientific context, it is important to distinguish it from '半透明' (bàn tòumíng), which means translucent. If a material blocks all light, it is bù tòumíng. If it lets some light through but blurs the image, it is bàn tòumíng. Using the wrong term in a technical report could lead to significant misunderstandings about material properties. In daily life, if you are shopping for curtains and want total darkness, you would ask for '不透明的窗帘' (opaque curtains).
这种化学物质在混合后会变成不透明的白色固体。 (This chemical substance will turn into an opaque white solid after mixing.)
You will encounter 不透明的 in several distinct environments, each giving the word a slightly different flavor. The most common place today is in the financial news. Analysts often complain about '不透明的财务报表' (opaque financial statements) when a company hides its debts or complicates its earnings reports. In this setting, the word is a major red flag for investors, signaling risk and potential fraud. If you are following Chinese market trends, this word is essential for understanding critical commentary on corporate ethics.
由于信息不透明,很多小投资者蒙受了损失。 (Due to the opacity of information, many small investors suffered losses.)
Another major arena for this word is politics and governance. International organizations often evaluate countries based on how 'transparent' or 'opaque' their legal systems are. You might hear a diplomat say, '法律执行的过程仍然非常不透明' (The process of law enforcement remains very opaque). Here, it suggests that rules are applied arbitrarily or that the public doesn't know how decisions are made. It is a key term in discussions about '阳光法案' (Sunshine Laws) which aim to make '不透明' processes more open.
- In the Arts
- In painting and design, '不透明' refers to pigments like gouache or oil that cover the layers beneath them, as opposed to '透明' watercolors. An artist might describe their technique as using '不透明的色块' (opaque blocks of color).
Socially, you might hear this word used to describe a person's character or a social circle that is hard to break into. A '不透明的圈子' (an opaque circle) is a group where the hierarchy and entry requirements are mysterious or hidden. If a friend tells you that a certain person is '很不透明', they are warning you that the person is secretive and perhaps not to be trusted. It describes a 'black box' personality where you can see the input and output but never the internal logic.
这个行业的潜规则非常不透明。 (The hidden rules of this industry are very opaque.)
One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing 不透明的 with 模糊的 (móhu de), which means 'blurry' or 'vague'. While both imply a lack of clarity, they are used in different contexts. '模糊' describes something that is out of focus or poorly defined, like a blurry photo or a vague memory. '不透明' specifically describes something that blocks light or information entirely. You wouldn't call a blurry photo '不透明', and you wouldn't call a solid wall '模糊' (unless you weren't wearing your glasses!).
- Mistake: Using '不透明' for 'Confusing'
- Learners often use '不透明' to mean 'hard to understand' in a general sense, like a difficult math problem. Instead, use '深奥' (profound/deep) or '难懂' (hard to understand). '不透明' specifically implies a hidden quality, not just a difficult one.
❌ Incorrect: 这道数学题很不透明。
✅ Correct: 这道数学题很难懂。
Another common mistake is the omission of the particle '的' when it is grammatically required. In Chinese, when an adjective with two or more syllables modifies a noun, '的' is almost always necessary. Saying '不透明玻璃' sounds clipped and overly technical; '不透明的玻璃' is the natural, standard way to express it. Conversely, don't over-use '的' when '不透明' is used as a resultative or part of a fixed compound like '不透明度' (opacity).
Lastly, avoid using '不透明' to describe weather. If the air is thick with smog or fog, the correct term is '有雾' (foggy) or '阴暗' (gloomy). '不透明' is reserved for materials or systems. You might say the fog makes the air 'low in transparency' (能见度低), but you wouldn't call the sky itself '不透明的' in a casual conversation.
注意:不要把“不透明”和“看不清”混淆。前者强调性质,后者强调视觉结果。 (Note: Don't confuse 'opaque' with 'cannot see clearly.' The former emphasizes property, the latter emphasizes visual result.)
To enrich your Chinese vocabulary, it is helpful to compare 不透明的 with its synonyms and near-synonyms. Depending on whether you are talking about physics, politics, or feelings, a different word might be more precise. For example, 晦涩 (huìsè) is often used for writing or language that is difficult to understand because it is too scholarly or poorly expressed. While an 'opaque' process is hidden, '晦涩' language is just hard to parse.
- 不透明 vs. 朦胧 (ménglóng)
- '朦胧' means hazy or misty. It is often used poetically (e.g., '朦胧的月光'). '不透明' is more technical and clinical. Use '朦胧' for beauty and '不透明' for physical properties or systemic issues.
- 不透明 vs. 隐秘 (yǐnmì)
- '隐秘' means secret or hidden. If a process is '隐秘', it is intentionally kept away from others. '不透明' might just mean it is not clear, regardless of intention, though it often implies a lack of effort to be clear.
虽然他的诗很晦涩,但他的为人并不不透明。 (Although his poetry is obscure, his character is not opaque.)
In a professional setting, you might use 黑箱 (hēixiāng), which literally means 'black box.' This is a noun, but it is used as a metaphor for an 'opaque' system where you can't see what's happening inside. For example, '黑箱操作' (black-box operation) is a very common idiomatic way to say that someone is manipulating things behind the scenes in an opaque way. This is a much stronger and more accusatory term than simply saying the process is '不透明'.
这种黑箱操作严重损害了公平性。 (This kind of black-box operation seriously damaged fairness.)
حقيقة ممتعة
The character '明' is one of the most common characters in Chinese and is often used to name children because of its positive association with intelligence and clarity. Adding '不' and '透' creates a starkly negative contrast to these qualities.
دليل النطق
- Saying 'tōu' (1st tone) instead of 'tòu' (4th tone).
- Over-emphasizing the 'de' at the end.
- Merging 'bù' and 'tòu' into a single sound.
- Using a flat tone for 'míng' instead of a rising tone.
- Pronouncing 'tòu' as 'too'.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
这块石头是不透明的。
This stone is opaque.
Simple Subject + 是 + Adjective structure.
我不喜欢不透明的杯子。
I don't like opaque cups.
Adjective modifying a noun with '的'.
墙是不透明的。
The wall is opaque.
Describing a physical property.
这是一张不透明的纸。
This is a piece of opaque paper.
Using '这是' to introduce the object.
不透明的门可以保护隐私。
Opaque doors can protect privacy.
Using the adjective as a subject modifier.
水如果很脏,就是不透明的。
If water is very dirty, it is opaque.
Conditional '如果...就...' sentence.
书包是不透明的。
The backpack is opaque.
Basic descriptive sentence.
我买了一个不透明的盒子。
I bought an opaque box.
Verb '买' + Object.
为了安全,窗户必须是不透明的。
For safety, the windows must be opaque.
Using '必须是' (must be).
这种油漆干了以后是不透明的。
This paint is opaque after it dries.
Using a time clause '...以后'.
我不喜欢穿这种不透明的衣服。
I don't like wearing these opaque clothes.
Using '这种' (this kind of).
那个信封是不透明的,看不见里面的信。
That envelope is opaque; you can't see the letter inside.
Providing a reason with '看不见'.
你可以给我一个不透明的袋子吗?
Can you give me an opaque bag?
Polite request using '可以...吗'.
这个塑料盖子是不透明的。
This plastic lid is opaque.
Simple description of a material.
这种液体变色了,现在是不透明的。
This liquid changed color; it is now opaque.
Describing a change of state with '了' and '现在'.
我需要一些不透明的材料来做手工。
I need some opaque materials for my crafts.
Using '需要' (need).
这家公司的财务状况非常不透明。
This company's financial situation is very opaque.
Metaphorical use in business.
我们需要反对这种不透明的决策过程。
We need to oppose this opaque decision-making process.
Using '反对' (oppose) + complex noun phrase.
由于信息不透明,我们很难做出选择。
Because the information is opaque, it's hard for us to make a choice.
Cause and effect with '由于'.
政府的预算应该公开,不能不透明。
The government's budget should be public; it cannot be opaque.
Using '应该' (should) and '不能' (cannot).
这种选举方式太不透明了,大家都不信任。
This election method is too opaque; nobody trusts it.
Using '太...了' for emphasis.
我们要建立一个透明的、而不是不透明的管理系统。
We want to build a transparent, not an opaque, management system.
Contrast using '而是' (but rather).
他的动机很不透明,让我感到担心。
His motives are very opaque, which makes me worried.
Describing abstract motives.
这个奖项的评选标准非常不透明。
The selection criteria for this award are very opaque.
Discussing criteria and standards.
市场的运作机制如果不透明,就会滋生腐败。
If the market's operating mechanism is opaque, it will breed corruption.
Hypothetical '如果...就...' with a serious tone.
这种不透明的定价策略损害了消费者的利益。
This opaque pricing strategy harms the interests of consumers.
Using '损害' (harm/damage) + abstract noun.
在外交谈判中,适度的不透明有时是必要的。
In diplomatic negotiations, a degree of opacity is sometimes necessary.
Using '适度的' (moderate/a degree of).
算法的不透明性成为了人工智能伦理的一个大问题。
The opacity of algorithms has become a major issue in AI ethics.
Using '不透明性' as a noun (opacity).
他那不透明的眼神让人很难猜透他在想什么。
His opaque gaze makes it hard to guess what he's thinking.
Literary description of eyes/gaze.
机构内部的权力结构往往是不透明的。
The power structures within organizations are often opaque.
Using '往往是' (often is).
我们要打击那些不透明的、非法的地下交易。
We must crack down on those opaque and illegal underground transactions.
Using '打击' (crack down on) with multiple adjectives.
这种不透明的官僚作风让办事效率极低。
This opaque bureaucratic style makes work efficiency extremely low.
Criticizing a style or work ethic.
该政策的实施细节依然处于一种不透明的状态。
The implementation details of the policy remain in an opaque state.
Formal phrase '处于...的状态' (to be in a state of).
法律条文的解释不应如此不透明,以免引起歧义。
The interpretation of legal clauses should not be so opaque, to avoid ambiguity.
Using '不应...以免' (should not... so as to avoid).
这种不透明的融资渠道潜藏着巨大的金融风险。
This opaque financing channel hides enormous financial risks.
Using '潜藏着' (to hide/harbor).
作者通过不透明的叙述手法,增强了小说的神秘感。
The author enhances the novel's sense of mystery through an opaque narrative technique.
Literary criticism vocabulary.
在高度复杂的社会系统中,某种程度的不透明是不可避免的。
In highly complex social systems, some degree of opacity is inevitable.
Using '不可避免' (inevitable).
该协议的条款非常不透明,充满了陷阱。
The terms of the agreement are very opaque and full of traps.
Metaphorical use of '陷阱' (traps).
学术界对这种不透明的评审制度提出了广泛的质疑。
The academic community has raised widespread questions about this opaque peer-review system.
Using '提出了...质疑' (to raise questions/doubts).
由于历史原因,该组织的运作方式一直极其不透明。
Due to historical reasons, the organization's mode of operation has always been extremely opaque.
Using '由于历史原因' as a formal opening.
这种在暗处进行的不透明运作,是对民主精神的公然践踏。
This opaque operation conducted in the shadows is an overt trampling of the democratic spirit.
Highly rhetorical and critical language.
语言本身的某些不透明性,正是诗歌魅力的源泉。
The inherent opacity of language is precisely the source of poetry's charm.
Philosophical and abstract usage.
他试图通过这种不透明的逻辑,掩盖其论点中的根本缺陷。
He attempted to use this opaque logic to hide the fundamental flaws in his argument.
Describing intellectual dishonesty.
在现代治理中,不透明往往被视为官僚主义的顽疾。
In modern governance, opacity is often viewed as a chronic illness of bureaucracy.
Using '被视为' (is viewed as) and '顽疾' (chronic illness).
这种不透明的契约关系,使得双方都处于极大的不确定性中。
This opaque contractual relationship leaves both parties in a state of great uncertainty.
Formal legal/social analysis.
历史的真相有时被掩盖在不透明的档案之中。
The truth of history is sometimes hidden within opaque archives.
Passive voice '被掩盖' (is hidden/covered).
该项目的资金流向极其不透明,引起了监管部门的注意。
The flow of funds for the project is extremely opaque, attracting the attention of regulatory authorities.
Business/Legal reporting style.
这种不透明的社会契约,早已无法适应新时代的需求。
This opaque social contract has long been unable to adapt to the needs of the new era.
Advanced sociological critique.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— A state where information is not shared or is hidden.
由于信息不透明,我们无法判断。
— The steps of a task or decision are not clear to others.
招投标过程不透明。
— Management style that is secretive or lacks accountability.
员工抱怨管理不透明。
— Prices are hidden or vary without clear reason.
旅游行业的定价很不透明。
— Government policies that are hard to understand or find.
政策不透明影响投资。
— How a system works is not explained or visible.
推荐机制很不透明。
— Handling of affairs in a way that others cannot see.
这种后台操作很不透明。
— Relationships that are hidden or unclear.
他们之间的关系很不透明。
— Criteria for something are not stated clearly.
录取标准非常不透明。
— Data that is kept secret or is hard to verify.
数据不透明是目前的问题。
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— Working in a 'black box'; a very common idiom for opaque, often corrupt, activities.
人们怀疑这次招标存在黑箱操作。
Informal/Critical— Similar to black box; working in a dark room/box, implying secrecy and unfairness.
坚决杜绝一切暗箱操作。
Formal/Legal— Covered in clouds and mist; describing someone's talk as confusing and opaque.
他说了一大堆话,听得我云山雾罩。
Informal/Humorous— So deep it cannot be measured; describes an opaque personality or situation.
这个人的心思深不可测。
Literary— Obscure and full of twists; describes opaque language or plots.
这篇文章写得隐晦曲折。
Literary— So tight that not even wind can get through; describes extreme secrecy.
消息封锁得密不透风。
Neutral— Unfathomable; used for things that are intentionally kept opaque to seem impressive.
他总是摆出一副莫测高深的样子。
Critical— Complicated and confusing; like a rabbit's tracks, hard to follow or 'opaque'.
案情变得扑朔迷离起来。
Literary/Journalistic— Being secretive and non-transparent about something.
有什么话就直说,别遮遮掩掩的。
Informal— Subtle words with profound meaning; sometimes used when brevity makes something 'opaque'.
古文往往微言大义。
Academicعائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الصفات
مرتبط
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of a 'Blue (Bù) Toe (Tòu) Ming (Dynasty) vase'. If the vase is thick and solid, you can't see the Ming treasures inside—it's opaque!
ربط بصري
Imagine a thick, black curtain (不透明的) hanging over a glowing light (the truth). You know the light is there, but the curtain blocks it.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to find three things in your room that are '不透明的' and one system in your life (like tax laws or school grades) that feels '不透明的'. Describe them in Chinese.
أصل الكلمة
The phrase is a modern compound. '不' (bù) is an ancient negation particle. '透' (tòu) originally meant to pass through or penetrate, often used for water or light. '明' (míng) is the combination of the sun (日) and the moon (月), symbolizing brightness or clarity.
المعنى الأصلي: The literal combination 'not-through-bright' has been used for centuries to describe physical objects that light cannot penetrate.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic.السياق الثقافي
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'Guanxi' (connections) is often criticized by outsiders as being '不透明的' because the rules of social exchange are not written down. However, within the culture, these rules are often very 'clear' to those involved. Modern China is currently in a transition where many sectors are being pushed to become less '不透明' through digital tracking and 'Sunshine' government initiatives. This word is therefore at the center of many contemporary social debates in China.
Summary
The word '不透明的' is essential for describing both physical opacity (like a wall) and systemic secrecy (like hidden government plans). It is a powerful tool for expressing a lack of trust or a need for more openness in professional and social contexts.
- Literally means 'opaque' for physical materials that block light.
- Figuratively describes systems or processes that lack clarity or openness.
- Commonly used in business and politics to criticize a lack of transparency.
- Functions as an adjective, typically requiring the '的' particle when modifying nouns.
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات business
本事
A2Skill; ability; capability.
相应地
B1بناءً على ذلك / بشكل متوافق. يستخدم للإشارة إلى أن الإجراء يتناسب مع تغيير سابق.
账号
A2رقم حساب أو معرف مستخدم يستخدم للوصول إلى الخدمات المصرفية أو عبر الإنترنت.
客户经理
A2مدير حسابات مسؤول عن إدارة العلاقات مع العملاء.
账户
B1A record of financial transactions for an individual or business, usually at a bank; or a user profile for a digital service.
会计
A2المحاسب هو الشخص المسؤول عن السجلات المالية.
收购
B1الاستحواذ على شركة أو شرائها.
商业活动
A2Business activity.
广告费
A2مصاريف الإعلان. الأموال التي يتم إنفاقها للترويج لمنتج أو خدمة.
调整
B1نحتاج إلى تعديل استراتيجيتنا التسويقية للربع القادم.