15秒でわかる
- To deliberately hide physical objects or deep personal emotions.
- More formal and descriptive than the basic word for 'hide'.
- Commonly used for secrets, intentions, or covering up mistakes.
意味
It means to hide or conceal something so it stays out of sight. You can use it for physical objects or for your inner feelings and secrets.
主な例文
3 / 6Observing a friend's mood
他无法掩藏脸上的失望。
He couldn't hide the disappointment on his face.
Discussing a mystery novel
凶手把证据掩藏在花园里。
The murderer hid the evidence in the garden.
Texting about a surprise party
我们要掩藏好这个惊喜，别让他发现！
We need to hide this surprise well, don't let him find out!
文化的背景
The character `掩` originally depicted a hand covering something. In traditional Chinese aesthetics, concealing one's true strength or emotions is often seen as a sign of wisdom and self-control. This phrase gained more usage in modern psychological contexts to describe suppressed feelings.
The 'Poker Face' Word
If you are playing cards and don't want to show your excitement, you are `掩藏` your joy. It's the ultimate word for social composure.
Don't get too physical
While you can use it for objects, using it for a person hiding behind a curtain sounds like a line from a poem. Use `躲` (duǒ) for people!
15秒でわかる
- To deliberately hide physical objects or deep personal emotions.
- More formal and descriptive than the basic word for 'hide'.
- Commonly used for secrets, intentions, or covering up mistakes.
What It Means
掩藏 (yǎncáng) is all about keeping things under wraps. Think of it as putting a blanket over a secret. It implies a deliberate act of hiding. You aren't just losing something. You are making sure nobody else sees it. It works for that chocolate bar you hid from your roommate. It also works for the crush you're trying to keep quiet.
How To Use It
You usually place the object right after the verb. You can say 掩藏 + [Secret/Feeling/Object]. It feels a bit more literary than the simple word for 'hide' (藏). It suggests a layer of protection or mystery. Use it when the act of hiding feels intentional. It's like being the director of your own spy movie.
When To Use It
Use it when you are talking about emotions. Maybe you are sad but smiling at a party. You are 掩藏 your sadness. It’s perfect for professional settings too. Use it when a company is hiding a mistake. Or use it at home. Use it when your cat hides your car keys. It adds a touch of drama to everyday life.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for simple physical placement. If you just put your shoes in the closet, that's not 掩藏. That is just tidying up. Avoid it for accidental loss. If you lost your phone, you didn't 'cover it up.' Also, don't use it for people hiding in hide-and-seek. For that, just use 躲 (duǒ). 掩藏 is too heavy for a playground game.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often values 'reserve' or 含蓄 (hánxù). Showing every emotion is sometimes seen as immature. Because of this, 掩藏 appears often in literature and songs. It describes the tension between inner truth and outer appearance. It’s the art of the 'poker face.' It reflects a deep respect for privacy and social harmony.
Common Variations
You will often see 隐藏 (yǐncáng) which is very similar. 隐藏 is more about being invisible or 'underground.' 掩藏 emphasizes the 'covering' aspect. Think of 掩 as the hand covering the eye. Another variation is 掩盖 (yǎngài). Use 掩盖 when you are literally covering a smell or a crime. It’s a bit more negative than our main phrase.
使い方のコツ
The phrase is versatile but leans toward intentional concealment. It is perfectly safe for both spoken and written Chinese at a B1 level.
The 'Poker Face' Word
If you are playing cards and don't want to show your excitement, you are `掩藏` your joy. It's the ultimate word for social composure.
Don't get too physical
While you can use it for objects, using it for a person hiding behind a curtain sounds like a line from a poem. Use `躲` (duǒ) for people!
The Beauty of 'Yan'
The character `掩` implies a gentle covering. It’s less aggressive than 'burying.' It suggests that the thing is still there, just out of sight.
例文
6他无法掩藏脸上的失望。
He couldn't hide the disappointment on his face.
Used here for an involuntary emotional leak.
凶手把证据掩藏在花园里。
The murderer hid the evidence in the garden.
A classic 'physical' use of the phrase in a narrative.
我们要掩藏好这个惊喜，别让他发现！
We need to hide this surprise well, don't let him find out!
Friendly and collaborative tone.
我只是把乱七八糟的东西掩藏在了床下。
I just hid the mess under the bed.
Humorous use of a 'serious' word for a silly situation.
公司试图掩藏财务问题。
The company attempted to cover up financial problems.
Formal usage regarding corporate transparency.
云雾掩藏了山顶的景色。
The mist hid the view of the mountain top.
Poetic use describing nature.
自分をテスト
Choose the best word to describe hiding a secret feeling.
她试图___内心的恐惧，但手一直在抖。
`掩藏` is the perfect fit for concealing internal emotions like fear.
Complete the sentence about a hidden object.
松鼠把坚果___在树洞里。
The squirrel is concealing the nuts for later, which fits the meaning of `掩藏`.
🎉 スコア： /2
ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality of 'Hiding'
Simple physical hiding
藏 (cáng)
Intentional concealing of feelings/objects
掩藏 (yǎncáng)
Abstract or systematic concealment
隐藏 (yǐncáng)
When to reach for 掩藏
Secret Love
掩藏感情
Hidden Treasure
掩藏财宝
Covering Mistakes
掩藏错误
Weather/Nature
掩藏在雾中
練習問題バンク
2 問題她试图___内心的恐惧，但手一直在抖。
`掩藏` is the perfect fit for concealing internal emotions like fear.
松鼠把坚果___在树洞里。
The squirrel is concealing the nuts for later, which fits the meaning of `掩藏`.
🎉 スコア： /2
よくある質問
10 問It means to cover up or conceal something, whether it is a physical object or an abstract feeling like 掩藏秘密 (hide a secret).
Not really. If a person is hiding, use 躲 (duǒ). 掩藏 is for things or feelings you want to keep secret.
Yes, 隐藏 (yǐncáng) is more about being 'invisible' or 'hidden from view' in a general sense, while 掩藏 (yǎncáng) emphasizes the act of 'covering' it up.
It is neutral to slightly formal. You can use it in daily conversation, but it also appears frequently in literature and news.
Yes, it is often used for covering up facts or scandals, such as 掩藏真相 (concealing the truth).
You can say 掩藏感情 (yǎncáng gǎnqíng) or 掩藏情绪 (yǎncáng qíngxù).
Not necessarily. While it can be used for hiding mistakes, it can also be used for surprises or modest behavior.
Yes, for example, 掩藏财宝 (hiding treasure) is a very common and natural usage.
Using it for 'losing' something. If you can't find your keys, don't say you 掩藏 them unless you did it on purpose!
Very often! Many Mandopop songs use it to describe hiding a broken heart or a secret crush.
関連フレーズ
隐藏 (To hide/conceal)
掩盖 (To cover up/mask)
收敛 (To restrain/curb)
遮掩 (To cover/screen)
