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B1 adjective #1,000 most common 15 min read

间接

jianjie Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 间接 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 间接 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into Mandarin Chinese. The concept of 间接 (jiàn jiē) is usually introduced as a simple opposite to the word 'direct', which is 直接 (zhí jiē). For beginners, it is enough to understand that 间接 means 'not straight' or 'not direct'. Imagine drawing a line between two dots. If the line is straight, it is 直接. If the line zigzags or goes through a third dot, it is 间接. At this stage, learners do not need to worry about complex grammar rules or cultural nuances. The focus is purely on vocabulary acquisition and recognizing the characters. The character 间 (jiàn) is very common, seen in words like 时间 (time) or 房间 (room), meaning a space or gap. The character 接 (jiē) is seen in verbs like 接收 (receive) or 接近 (approach). Combining them gives the visual of connecting across a gap. A1 learners might practice simple sentences like '这不是直接的，是间接的' (This is not direct, it is indirect). They learn to categorize actions into these two basic bins. While they might not use the word frequently in their own speech yet, recognizing it in simple texts or listening exercises builds a crucial foundation for later, more complex usage. The primary goal here is basic comprehension and building an associative link between the Chinese characters and the English concept of 'indirectness'.

As learners progress to the A2 level, they begin to construct more complex sentences and express basic opinions. Here, the usage of 间接 (jiàn jiē) expands slightly. Learners start to see it used as an adjective modifying common nouns. They learn the pattern 间接 + 的 + Noun. For example, they might learn phrases like 间接的影响 (indirect influence) or 间接的原因 (indirect reason). This is a significant step because it allows them to describe situations with more detail. Instead of just saying 'A caused B', they can now say 'A was an indirect reason for B'. At this level, teachers often introduce simple real-world scenarios to illustrate the point. For instance, if it rains, you get wet (direct). If it rains, the traffic is bad, and you are late for work (indirect). A2 learners practice identifying these scenarios and applying the vocabulary. They also start to notice the adverbial use, though they might not fully master it yet. They might see sentences like '他间接告诉我' (He indirectly told me) and understand that the action of telling was not done face-to-face. The focus at A2 is on practical application in everyday contexts, moving beyond mere recognition to active, albeit simple, usage in describing daily events and basic cause-and-effect relationships.

The B1 level is where 间接 (jiàn jiē) truly belongs and where learners are expected to master its core functions. At this intermediate stage, learners must comfortably use 间接 as both an adjective and an adverb. They learn the strict grammatical rules: using 的 (de) when modifying nouns (间接的损失 - indirect loss) and using 地 (de) or nothing when modifying verbs (间接地导致 - indirectly cause). B1 learners are exposed to a wider range of vocabulary that pairs with 间接, such as 经验 (experience), 证明 (proof), and 伤害 (harm). Furthermore, this is the level where the cultural implications of the word begin to be explored. Learners are taught that in Chinese culture, being 间接 is often a polite and necessary way to communicate, especially when giving negative feedback or refusing a request. They practice role-playing scenarios where they must use indirect language to save face. They also start reading longer texts, such as news articles or short essays, where 间接 is used to explain complex phenomena, like the indirect effects of a new law. The B1 learner is expected to not only understand the literal meaning but also to apply it accurately in both written and spoken Chinese, demonstrating an awareness of its grammatical flexibility and its cultural significance in everyday communication.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, the usage of 间接 (jiàn jiē) becomes more abstract and sophisticated. Learners are no longer just talking about physical routes or simple cause-and-effect; they are discussing economics, politics, psychology, and abstract theories. Vocabulary expands to include specialized terms like 间接税 (indirect tax), 间接选举 (indirect election), and 间接推理 (indirect reasoning). B2 learners are expected to read authentic materials, such as newspaper editorials or academic abstracts, and fully comprehend the nuanced arguments being made using these terms. They also learn to use 间接 in complex sentence structures, such as passive voice (被间接影响 - to be indirectly influenced) and contrastive clauses (不仅有直接原因，还有间接原因 - not only direct reasons, but also indirect reasons). In spoken Chinese, B2 learners should be able to debate topics and articulate secondary or hidden consequences of an action using 间接 fluently. They are also expected to distinguish 间接 from near-synonyms like 侧面 (from the side) or 委婉 (tactful), understanding exactly when to use which word for maximum precision. The focus at B2 is on achieving a high level of accuracy and expanding the domain of usage from daily life to professional and academic discourse.

At the C1 advanced level, learners possess a near-native command of the language, and their use of 间接 (jiàn jiē) reflects this deep understanding. They use the word effortlessly in highly complex, multi-clause sentences without grammatical hesitation. More importantly, C1 learners understand the deep cultural and philosophical underpinnings of indirectness in Chinese society. They can analyze literature or historical texts where indirect communication (such as political allegory or poetic metaphor) is a central theme. They are comfortable using advanced idioms related to indirectness, such as 旁敲侧击 (to attack from the side) or 拐弯抹角 (to beat around the bush), and they know exactly how these idioms relate to the core concept of 间接. In professional settings, a C1 learner can draft formal business proposals or legal documents that accurately delineate direct and indirect liabilities (直接责任 vs. 间接责任). They can navigate delicate social situations with native-like tact, using indirect language not just as a vocabulary exercise, but as a genuine tool for relationship management. At this level, 间接 is fully integrated into their linguistic repertoire, allowing them to express the most subtle nuances of thought, strategy, and social interaction with elegance and precision.

The C2 level represents mastery. For a C2 learner, 间接 (jiàn jiē) is a tool for sophisticated rhetorical manipulation and profound academic analysis. They can write extensive essays or deliver formal speeches exploring the epistemological differences between direct and indirect knowledge (直接经验 vs. 间接经验) in philosophical contexts. They understand how the concept of indirectness permeates traditional Chinese aesthetics, such as in landscape painting (where empty space indirectly suggests clouds or water) or classical poetry (where emotions are expressed indirectly through descriptions of nature). A C2 learner can deconstruct a politician's speech, identifying exactly how indirect language is used to evade responsibility or imply a threat without stating it. They can play with the language, perhaps using 间接 ironically or in novel, creative ways that native speakers would appreciate. At this ultimate level of proficiency, the learner does not just know the word; they own it. They understand its etymology, its historical evolution, its sociological impact, and its artistic potential. The word 间接 becomes a lens through which they can analyze and interact with the entirety of Chinese culture, literature, and thought, demonstrating a level of fluency that rivals highly educated native speakers.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

间接 in 30 Seconds

Means 'indirect' or 'second-hand'.
Opposite of 直接 (direct).
Used as adjective (间接的) or adverb (间接地).
Crucial for polite Chinese communication.

The Chinese word 间接 (jiàn jiē) is a fundamental vocabulary item for learners at the B1 level, translating directly to 'indirect' or 'second-hand' in English. To truly grasp its meaning, we must look at its individual characters. The first character, 间 (jiàn), means 'space', 'gap', or 'between'. Historically, it depicted the sun shining through the gap in a door. The second character, 接 (jiē), means 'to connect', 'to join', or 'to receive'. When you put them together, 间接 literally paints a picture of connecting across a gap or through an intermediary space, rather than touching directly. This concept is incredibly important not just in language, but in Chinese culture, where indirect communication is often preferred to maintain harmony and save face. When people use 间接, they are usually describing an action, a cause, an effect, or a method of communication that does not go straight from point A to point B, but rather takes a detour through point C.

This decision will have an 间接 impact on our economy.

In everyday conversation, you will hear 间接 used in a variety of contexts. For example, if you learn something not from the source but from a friend, that is 间接经验 (indirect experience). If a company loses money because a supplier was late, causing a halt in production, that is a 间接损失 (indirect loss). The word is highly versatile and can function as both an adjective and an adverb. Understanding when to use it requires recognizing situations where an intermediary is involved.

Context 1: Cause and Effect: Used to describe consequences that are not the immediate result of an action, but happen as a secondary effect. For instance, pollution indirectly causes health issues over time.

Smoking is an 间接 cause of many diseases.

Another major area where 间接 shines is in interpersonal communication. In high-context cultures, being too direct (直接) can sometimes be seen as rude, aggressive, or unrefined. Therefore, people might choose an 间接 approach to deliver bad news, reject an offer, or give criticism. They might use hints, metaphors, or third parties to convey their message. This is a crucial survival skill in Chinese business and social environments.

Context 2: Information Gathering: Used when you acquire knowledge, news, or data through a third party or secondary source rather than witnessing it firsthand.

I heard the news 间接 from my colleague.

In academic and professional settings, 间接 is frequently used in formal terminology. You will encounter terms like 间接税 (indirect tax, like VAT), 间接成本 (indirect costs, like overhead), and 间接选举 (indirect election, where voters elect representatives who then vote for the leader). These terms highlight the structural distance between the origin and the destination of an action or resource.

Context 3: Economics and Law: Essential for discussing financial structures, liability, and taxation where intermediaries are structurally built into the system.

The company is liable for 间接 damages.

To summarize, mastering the word 间接 is not just about learning a translation for 'indirect'. It is about understanding a pervasive concept that applies to physics, economics, social interactions, and epistemology within the Chinese-speaking world. Whether you are describing how a virus spreads through contaminated surfaces (indirect transmission) or how a manager suggests improvements to an employee (indirect feedback), this word is your go-to tool. As you progress in your Chinese studies, you will find that recognizing the 'indirect' pathways in Chinese society is just as important as knowing the vocabulary itself.

He gave me an 间接 answer to avoid conflict.

Using 间接 (jiàn jiē) correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its dual nature as both an adjective and an adverb. In Chinese grammar, the way a word modifies other words dictates its position and the particles it requires. When used as an adjective, 间接 modifies a noun. In this structure, it is almost always followed by the structural particle 的 (de), which links the adjective to the noun it describes. The pattern is simply: 间接 + 的 + Noun. This is used to describe things that possess an indirect quality. For example, 间接的影响 (indirect influence), 间接的经验 (indirect experience), or 间接的联系 (indirect connection). The particle 的 is crucial here because it clarifies that 'indirect' is a characteristic of the noun.

This is an 间接 method.

Structure 1: Adjective + Noun: Pattern: 间接 + 的 + Noun. Example: 间接的后果 (indirect consequence). Use this when describing the nature of a thing or concept.

However, 间接 is equally, if not more, common as an adverb. When used as an adverb, it modifies a verb, describing *how* an action is performed or how an event occurs. In this case, it is placed directly before the verb. Sometimes the adverbial particle 地 (de) is used (间接地 + Verb), but in modern spoken and even written Chinese, the 地 is frequently omitted for better flow, resulting in the pattern: 间接 + Verb. For instance, 间接导致 (indirectly cause), 间接证明 (indirectly prove), or 间接听到 (indirectly hear). This adverbial usage is incredibly powerful for expressing complex chains of events where one thing leads to another through a middleman or secondary process.

The policy 间接 stimulated the housing market.

Structure 2: Adverb + Verb: Pattern: 间接(地) + Verb. Example: 间接帮助 (indirectly help). Use this to describe the manner in which an action unfolds.

It is also important to note how 间接 interacts with negation. To say something is 'not indirect' (meaning it is direct), you would typically just use the antonym 直接 (zhí jiē). However, if you want to emphasize that something is *not* an indirect result, you might say 不是间接的 (bú shì jiàn jiē de). For example, 'This problem is not an indirect result, it is a direct one' would be '这个问题不是间接造成的，而是直接造成的'. Understanding this contrastive structure (不是...而是...) is highly beneficial for B1 learners looking to elevate their argumentative and descriptive skills in Mandarin.

We must look at both direct and 间接 factors.

Structure 3: Contrastive Pairs: Pattern: 直接... 间接... Example: 无论是直接还是间接 (Whether direct or indirect). This is a very common rhetorical device.

Furthermore, 间接 is frequently used in passive constructions, particularly when discussing negative outcomes or blame. In a sentence using the 被 (bèi) structure, 间接 can be placed before the verb to show that the subject was affected through a secondary channel. For example, 他被这件事间接影响了 (He was indirectly affected by this matter). Here, the focus is on the subject receiving the impact, and 间接 clarifies the nature of that impact. Mastering these varied sentence structures—adjectival, adverbial, contrastive, and passive—will give you a comprehensive command over the word 间接, allowing you to articulate nuanced thoughts with precision and native-like fluency.

The global supply chain was 间接 disrupted.

She 间接 admitted her mistake.

The beauty of the word 间接 (jiàn jiē) lies in its omnipresence across various domains of Chinese life. It is not a word confined to textbooks; it is a highly active part of the daily lexicon. One of the most common places you will hear 间接 is in the workplace. Chinese business culture often navigates complex hierarchies and interpersonal relationships. Direct confrontation is usually avoided. Therefore, a manager might give 间接的批评 (indirect criticism) to an employee to help them save face. Instead of saying 'Your report is terrible,' they might say, 'Perhaps we can look at some other examples to broaden our perspective.' In this environment, understanding 间接 communication is vital for career success and building strong professional relationships.

The boss gave an 间接 suggestion during the meeting.

Domain 1: The Workplace: Used to describe tactful communication, subtle feedback, and the navigation of office politics where directness might cause offense.

You will also frequently encounter 间接 in the news and media, particularly when journalists are discussing economics, politics, or public health. During a public health crisis, for example, news anchors will talk about 间接接触传染 (indirect contact transmission), warning people about touching contaminated surfaces. In financial news, analysts constantly discuss 间接投资 (indirect investment) or how a new international policy will have an 间接影响 (indirect impact) on local stock markets. The media relies on this word to explain complex, multi-step phenomena to the public in a clear and concise manner.

The news report mentioned the 间接 economic benefits.

Domain 2: News and Media: Essential for reporting on economics, public health, and international relations where secondary effects are a major focus of the story.

In casual, everyday life, 间接 pops up when discussing relationships and social interactions. If someone has a crush on another person but is too shy to confess directly, they might use an 间接的方式 (indirect method) to show their affection, such as buying them coffee or asking a mutual friend to put in a good word. Conversely, if someone wants to reject a date, they might give an 间接的拒绝 (indirect rejection), like saying 'I am really busy with work lately' instead of a flat 'No'. Understanding these indirect social cues is a hallmark of cultural fluency in China.

She used an 间接 excuse to leave the party early.

Domain 3: Social Relationships: Crucial for understanding dating, friendships, and polite society where saving face and avoiding awkwardness are prioritized.

Finally, in academic and scientific contexts, 间接 is a core vocabulary word. Scientists talk about 间接证据 (indirect evidence) when they cannot observe a phenomenon directly but can infer its existence from other data. For example, black holes are largely studied through indirect evidence, observing how their gravity affects nearby stars. In psychology, researchers might study 间接攻击 (indirect aggression), such as spreading rumors. Across all these fields, 间接 provides the necessary linguistic framework to discuss things that are not immediately obvious or direct, making it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to achieve a high level of proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.

The scientist presented 间接 proof of the theory.

We learned about 间接 taxes in our economics class.

While 间接 (jiàn jiē) is a relatively straightforward concept, English speakers learning Chinese often fall into a few predictable traps when trying to use it. The most common mistake is a grammatical one: confusing its part of speech. In English, 'indirect' is an adjective, and 'indirectly' is an adverb. In Chinese, 间接 functions as both, but learners sometimes try to force English grammar rules onto it. For instance, a learner might try to use 间接 as a verb, saying something like '我间接他' (I indirect him) to mean 'I approached him indirectly'. This is entirely incorrect. 间接 cannot take an object. It must modify a noun (间接的接触 - indirect contact) or a verb (间接地联系他 - indirectly contact him). Understanding this limitation is the first step to using the word naturally.

Incorrect: 我间接他。 Correct: 我间接地联系了他。

Mistake 1: Using it as a Verb: Never use 间接 as an action verb. It is a modifier. It describes *how* an action is done, not the action itself.

Another frequent error involves the omission or misuse of the structural particles 的 (de) and 地 (de). When 间接 modifies a noun, you must use 的. Saying '间接影响' is acceptable as a set phrase, but for newer combinations, '间接的' is safer and grammatically complete. Conversely, when modifying a verb, learners sometimes mistakenly use 的 instead of 地, writing '间接的导致' instead of '间接地导致' (or simply '间接导致'). While native speakers might make this typo in casual texting because the pronunciation is identical, in formal writing or exams like the HSK, mixing up 的 and 地 will cost you points. Always remember: 的 for nouns, 地 for verbs.

Make sure to use the correct 'de' when writing 间接.

Mistake 2: Particle Confusion: Mixing up 的 (for nouns) and 地 (for verbs) when writing. This is a very common written error even among native speakers.

A more subtle, semantic mistake is confusing 间接 with words that mean 'tactful' or 'euphemistic', such as 委婉 (wěi wǎn). While an indirect statement can be tactful, the two words are not perfectly synonymous. 间接 simply describes the structural path—it goes through a middleman or takes a secondary route. 委婉 specifically describes the tone and intention—it is gentle, polite, and designed not to hurt feelings. You can be 间接 without being 委婉 (e.g., having someone else deliver a harsh insult), and you can be 委婉 without being 间接 (e.g., speaking directly to someone but using very gentle words). Using 间接 when you really mean 委婉 can make your Chinese sound slightly unnatural or overly clinical in emotional situations.

Do not confuse structural 间接 with emotional tactfulness.

Mistake 3: Semantic Overlap: Using 间接 when you actually mean 委婉 (tactful). 间接 is objective; 委婉 is subjective and polite.

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with word order when using 间接 in complex sentences. In Chinese, adverbial modifiers generally come before the verb and after the subject. A common mistake for English speakers is to put the adverb at the end of the sentence, mimicking English structure. For example, translating 'He influenced the outcome indirectly' as '他影响了结果间接'. The correct Chinese word order requires the modifier to precede the action: 他间接地影响了结果. Always remember the golden rule of Chinese word order: modifiers come before the things they modify. By keeping these common pitfalls in mind—avoiding verb usage, mastering particles, distinguishing from 'tactful', and correcting word order—you will be able to use 间接 with confidence and accuracy.

Incorrect: 他影响了结果间接。 Correct: 他间接地影响了结果。

Mastering the placement of 间接 is key to sounding native.

Expanding your vocabulary beyond a single translation is crucial for fluency. While 间接 (jiàn jiē) is the standard and most versatile word for 'indirect', the Chinese language offers a rich tapestry of synonyms and related terms that carry slightly different nuances. Knowing when to use these alternatives will make your Chinese sound much more sophisticated. One common alternative is 侧面 (cè miàn), which literally means 'the side' or 'flank'. When used metaphorically, it means 'from the side' or 'indirectly'. For example, 侧面了解 (to find out from the side) implies gathering information not from the main source, but from peripheral sources. It has a slightly more investigative or observational feel than the purely structural 间接.

Instead of 间接, you can sometimes use 侧面 to mean 'from a side angle'.

Alternative 1: 侧面 (cè miàn): Meaning: From the side; flank. Usage: Used when observing or learning something from a peripheral perspective rather than head-on.

Another excellent word to know is 迂回 (yū huí), which means 'roundabout' or 'circuitous'. This word paints a picture of a winding path. It is often used to describe tactics, routes, or ways of speaking that intentionally avoid a straight line. If someone is speaking in a very convoluted way to avoid getting to the point, you might describe their speech as 迂回. Unlike 间接, which is neutral and often used in scientific or economic contexts, 迂回 carries a stronger sense of intentional avoidance or strategic maneuvering. In military terms, a 迂回战术 is a flanking or roundabout tactic.

His explanation was very 迂回, much more descriptive than just 间接.

Alternative 2: 迂回 (yū huí): Meaning: Roundabout; circuitous. Usage: Used for physical routes or strategic methods that intentionally avoid a direct approach.

For interpersonal communication, as mentioned earlier, 委婉 (wěi wǎn) is a crucial related term. It translates to 'tactful', 'mild', or 'euphemistic'. When you want to soften a blow or express something delicately, you use a 委婉的说法 (euphemism). While 间接 focuses on the *mechanism* of delivery (e.g., using a middleman), 委婉 focuses on the *tone* of delivery (e.g., using gentle words). If you are trying to tell a friend they need to lose weight, doing it through their mother is 间接; telling them directly but saying 'Perhaps we should focus on our health more' is 委婉. Often, the best social strategy in Chinese culture involves being both 间接 and 委婉.

To be polite, combine 间接 methods with 委婉 language.

Alternative 3: 委婉 (wěi wǎn): Meaning: Tactful; euphemistic. Usage: Used specifically for language and tone that is gentle and designed to avoid offense.

There are also four-character idioms (chengyu) that express the concept of indirectness beautifully. 拐弯抹角 (guǎi wān mò jiǎo) literally means 'turning corners and hugging walls'. It is used to describe someone who beats around the bush and refuses to speak directly. It often carries a slightly negative or impatient connotation, as if to say, 'Just get to the point!' Another is 旁敲侧击 (páng qiāo cè jī), which means 'to attack from the side'. It is used when someone makes indirect inquiries or subtle hints to find out information without asking outright. By incorporating these alternatives and idioms into your vocabulary, you move beyond the basic utility of 间接 and begin to express yourself with the color, precision, and cultural depth of a native speaker.

Stop beating around the bush (拐弯抹角), just tell me directly, not 间接!

He used 旁敲侧击 to 间接 find out my salary.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 间 has two common pronunciations. When pronounced 'jiān' (1st tone), it means 'between' or 'room' (like 中间, 房间). When pronounced 'jiàn' (4th tone), as in 间接, it originally meant 'gap' or 'to separate'. So 间接 literally means a connection that has a separation in it!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒiæn dʒiɛ/

US /dʒiæn dʒiɛ/

jiàn (4th tone, sharp and falling) jiē (1st tone, high and steady).

Rhymes With

直接 (zhí jiē) - direct 连接 (lián jiē) - connect 迎接 (yíng jiē) - welcome 交接 (jiāo jiē) - hand over 拼接 (pīn jiē) - splice 衔接 (xián jiē) - link up 迎接 (yíng jiē) - greet 对接 (duì jiē) - dock/connect

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jian' like the English name 'Jan'. It should have a distinct 'ee' sound before the 'an': jee-en.
Pronouncing 'jie' like the English word 'jay'. It should end with an 'eh' sound, not an 'ay' sound: jee-eh.
Getting the tones wrong. 'jiàn' must fall sharply, and 'jiē' must stay high and flat. A common mistake is making both flat.
Confusing the 'j' sound with a French 'j' (zh). The Mandarin 'j' is closer to the English 'j' in 'jeep', but with the tongue resting behind the lower teeth.
Not pronouncing the 'i' (ee) sound clearly in both characters.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The characters are common, but understanding complex indirect causal relationships in academic texts requires high comprehension.

Writing 5/5

Writing requires mastering the distinction between 的 and 地, and placing the adverb correctly before the verb.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but remembering to use it instead of English-style sentence structures takes practice.

Listening 5/5

In fast speech, the 'de' is often dropped, making it hard to catch whether it's modifying a noun or verb.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

直接 (direct) 中间 (middle) 影响 (influence) 原因 (reason) 告诉 (tell)

Learn Next

委婉 (tactful) 侧面 (from the side) 导致 (lead to) 暗示 (hint) 后果 (consequence)

Advanced

迂回 (roundabout) 旁敲侧击 (attack from the side) 隐晦 (obscure) 含蓄 (implicit) 微言大义 (profound meaning in subtle words)

Grammar to Know

Adverbial Modifier Placement

Adverbs must be placed before the verb they modify. Correct: 他间接影响了我。 Incorrect: 他影响了我间接。

Structural Particle 的 (de)

Used to link an adjective to a noun. 间接 + 的 + 影响 = 间接的影响 (indirect impact).

Adverbial Particle 地 (de)

Used to link an adverb to a verb. 间接 + 地 + 导致 = 间接地导致 (indirectly cause).

Contrastive Structure 不是...而是...

Used to clarify a misconception. 这不是直接原因，而是间接原因。 (This is not the direct reason, but the indirect reason.)

Passive Voice with 被 (bèi)

The adverb goes before the verb in a passive sentence. 他被这件事间接伤害了。 (He was indirectly hurt by this matter.)

Examples by Level

这不是直接的，是间接的。

This is not direct, it is indirect.

Basic contrast using 是...的 structure.

我间接认识他。

I know him indirectly.

Simple adverbial use before a verb.

这是一个间接的方法。

This is an indirect method.

Adjective modifying a noun with 的.

直接还是间接？

Direct or indirect?

Using 还是 for a choice question.

我不喜欢间接。

I don't like indirectness.

Using the word as a conceptual noun object.

他间接帮了我。

He indirectly helped me.

Adverb modifying the verb 帮 (help).

间接的路线很长。

The indirect route is very long.

Adjective describing a physical path.

我们间接说话。

We speak indirectly.

Simple subject + adverb + verb structure.

这个决定对我们有间接的影响。

This decision has an indirect impact on us.

Using 有 (have) with an adjective-noun phrase.

我是从朋友那里间接听说的。

I heard about it indirectly from a friend.

Using 从...那里 to indicate the source.

天气不好是间接的原因。

Bad weather is the indirect reason.

Defining a secondary cause.

他没有直接回答，而是间接回答了。

He didn't answer directly, but answered indirectly.

Using 不是...而是... for contrast.

这种药有间接的副作用。

This medicine has indirect side effects.

Medical context, modifying 副作用 (side effect).

我们通过间接的方式联系。

We communicate through indirect methods.

Using 通过 (through) to indicate method.

那是一次间接的接触。

That was an indirect contact.

Describing a physical interaction.

他间接地表达了他的不满。

He indirectly expressed his dissatisfaction.

Using 地 to modify the verb 表达 (express).

吸烟会间接导致许多严重的健康问题。

Smoking can indirectly lead to many serious health problems.

Using 导致 (lead to) for cause and effect.

在职场中，有时候间接的批评比直接的批评更有效。

In the workplace, sometimes indirect criticism is more effective than direct criticism.

Comparison using 比 (than).

这家公司的破产间接造成了数百人失业。

The bankruptcy of this company indirectly caused hundreds of people to lose their jobs.

Using 造成 (cause) for negative outcomes.

我们必须考虑到这项政策的间接后果。

We must consider the indirect consequences of this policy.

Using 考虑到 (consider) with abstract nouns.

他虽然没有明说，但间接暗示了计划会改变。

Although he didn't say it explicitly, he indirectly hinted that the plan would change.

Pairing 间接 with 暗示 (hint).

通过阅读历史，我们可以获得很多间接经验。

By reading history, we can gain a lot of indirect experience.

Collocation: 间接经验 (indirect experience).

这场战争对全球经济产生了深远的间接影响。

This war has had a profound indirect impact on the global economy.

Using 产生...影响 (produce an impact).

为了不伤害她的感情，我选择了间接拒绝。

In order not to hurt her feelings, I chose to refuse indirectly.

Using 为了 (in order to) to show purpose.

政府通过提高间接税来增加财政收入。

The government increases fiscal revenue by raising indirect taxes.

Economic terminology: 间接税 (indirect tax).

环境污染对生物多样性的破坏往往是间接且难以察觉的。

The destruction of biodiversity by environmental pollution is often indirect and hard to detect.

Using 往往是 (is often) with multiple adjectives.

在法律上，我们需要区分直接故意和间接故意。

In law, we need to distinguish between direct intent and indirect intent.

Legal terminology: 间接故意 (indirect intent).

社交媒体的普及间接改变了人们的阅读习惯。

The popularization of social media has indirectly changed people's reading habits.

Describing societal shifts.

这项科学发现为该理论提供了强有力的间接证据。

This scientific discovery provided strong indirect evidence for the theory.

Scientific context: 间接证据 (indirect evidence).

跨国公司的供应链中断，导致了巨大的间接经济损失。

The disruption of the multinational company's supply chain led to massive indirect economic losses.

Business context: 间接经济损失 (indirect economic loss).

他通过收购竞争对手的供应商，间接控制了整个市场。

By acquiring the competitor's suppliers, he indirectly controlled the entire market.

Describing strategic business maneuvers.

这种病毒可以通过接触被污染的物体表面进行间接传播。

This virus can spread indirectly through contact with contaminated surfaces.

Medical context: 间接传播 (indirect transmission).

中国传统文化中，人们往往推崇含蓄内敛，习惯用间接的方式表达情感。

In traditional Chinese culture, people often admire implicit restraint and are accustomed to expressing emotions indirectly.

Cultural analysis using advanced vocabulary like 推崇 (admire) and 含蓄 (implicit).

这部小说通过对周围环境的细腻描写，间接烘托出主人公内心的孤独与绝望。

Through delicate descriptions of the surrounding environment, this novel indirectly highlights the protagonist's inner loneliness and despair.

Literary analysis: 间接烘托 (indirectly highlight/contrast).

在复杂的国际关系中，大国之间的博弈往往通过代理人战争这种间接手段来进行。

In complex international relations, the game between major powers is often conducted through indirect means such as proxy wars.

Political context: 代理人战争 (proxy war) and 间接手段 (indirect means).

央行调整存款准备金率，意在间接调控市场上的货币流通量。

The central bank adjusts the reserve requirement ratio, intending to indirectly regulate the money supply in the market.

Macroeconomic policy analysis.

虽然没有直接的利益冲突，但两家公司在争夺人才上已经形成了间接的竞争态势。

Although there is no direct conflict of interest, the two companies have already formed an indirect competitive posture in the fight for talent.

Business strategy: 间接的竞争态势 (indirect competitive posture).

他那番看似漫不经心的话，实则是旁敲侧击，间接试探我的底线。

His seemingly casual remarks were actually beating around the bush, indirectly testing my bottom line.

Combining idioms (旁敲侧击) with 间接.

对于这种结构性问题，单纯的直接干预往往治标不治本，需要通过制度改革来间接化解。

For this kind of structural problem, simple direct intervention often treats the symptoms but not the root cause; it needs to be indirectly resolved through institutional reform.

Advanced problem-solving discourse.

艺术作品的魅力往往在于它的留白，给受众留下广阔的间接联想空间。

The charm of an artwork often lies in its blank space, leaving the audience a vast space for indirect association.

Aesthetic theory: 间接联想 (indirect association).

在认识论层面，人类的大部分知识都属于间接经验，是建立在前人探索的基础之上的。

On an epistemological level, most of human knowledge belongs to indirect experience, built upon the foundation of predecessors' explorations.

Philosophical discourse: 认识论 (epistemology) and 间接经验 (indirect experience).

庄子的寓言故事，其高妙之处就在于以荒诞不经的表象，间接传达深邃的道家哲理。

The brilliance of Zhuangzi's fables lies in their use of absurd appearances to indirectly convey profound Daoist philosophy.

Classical literature analysis.

宏观经济学中的乘数效应，完美诠释了初始投资如何通过一系列的间接消费拉动整体经济增长。

The multiplier effect in macroeconomics perfectly illustrates how an initial investment stimulates overall economic growth through a series of indirect consumption.

Advanced economic theory: 乘数效应 (multiplier effect).

法律体系中关于间接侵权的界定，反映了立法者在保护知识产权与鼓励技术创新之间的艰难平衡。

The definition of indirect infringement in the legal system reflects the legislators' difficult balance between protecting intellectual property and encouraging technological innovation.

Advanced legal jurisprudence: 间接侵权 (indirect infringement).

古代文人常借咏物以言志，这种间接抒情的手法，使得诗歌的意蕴更加丰厚绵长。

Ancient literati often expressed their aspirations by writing about objects; this technique of indirect lyrical expression makes the poetry's meaning richer and more enduring.

Poetic analysis: 间接抒情 (indirect lyrical expression).

在量子力学中，我们无法直接观测到某些粒子的状态，只能通过其与周围环境的相互作用进行间接推断。

In quantum mechanics, we cannot directly observe the state of certain particles; we can only make indirect inferences through their interactions with the surrounding environment.

Quantum physics context: 间接推断 (indirect inference).

这种隐性权力的运作机制，正是通过构建复杂的社会网络，实现对资源的间接垄断。

The operational mechanism of this implicit power is precisely to achieve an indirect monopoly over resources by constructing complex social networks.

Sociological and political analysis.

他晚年的画作褪去了早期的锋芒，转而追求一种大音希声的境界，情感的表达变得极为间接而克制。

His later paintings shed the sharpness of his early years, turning instead to pursue a state where 'the greatest sound is silence', and the expression of emotion became extremely indirect and restrained.

Art critique using classical idioms (大音希声).

Synonyms

迂回次要

Antonyms

直接

Common Collocations

间接影响

间接经验

间接导致

间接证明

间接损失

间接税

间接接触

间接选举

间接表达

间接关系

Common Phrases

间接的

— The adjectival form of indirect. Used before nouns to describe their nature.

这是一个间接的后果。 (This is an indirect consequence.)

间接地

— The adverbial form of indirectly. Used before verbs to describe how an action is done.

他间接地帮助了我。 (He indirectly helped me.)

不是直接，而是间接

— A contrastive phrase emphasizing that something is indirect, not direct.

这个问题不是直接造成的，而是间接造成的。 (This problem was not caused directly, but indirectly.)

受到间接影响

— To be indirectly affected or influenced by something.

很多行业都受到了间接影响。 (Many industries were indirectly affected.)

通过间接方式

— Through indirect methods or means.

我们通过间接方式解决了问题。 (We solved the problem through indirect methods.)

间接杀手

— An indirect killer (often used metaphorically for things like stress or pollution).

压力是现代人的间接杀手。 (Stress is an indirect killer of modern people.)

间接证据

— Circumstantial or indirect evidence in a legal or scientific context.

法庭只掌握了间接证据。 (The court only has indirect evidence.)

间接成本

— Indirect costs or overhead in business.

我们需要降低间接成本。 (We need to reduce indirect costs.)

间接传染

— Indirect transmission of a disease.

注意卫生以防间接传染。 (Pay attention to hygiene to prevent indirect transmission.)

间接照明

— Indirect lighting (interior design).

这个房间采用了间接照明。 (This room uses indirect lighting.)

Often Confused With

间接 vs 委婉 (wěi wǎn)

Both relate to not being blunt. However, 间接 means taking a secondary route (structural), while 委婉 means being gentle and tactful (emotional).

间接 vs 侧面 (cè miàn)

Both mean not direct. 间接 is a general term for indirectness. 侧面 specifically means 'from the side', often used for observation or gathering information.

间接 vs 中间 (zhōng jiān)

Learners confuse the characters. 中间 means 'in the middle' (location). 间接 means 'indirect' (manner/nature).

Idioms & Expressions

"拐弯抹角 (guǎi wān mò jiǎo)"

— To beat around the bush; to speak indirectly and evasively. Literally 'turning corners and hugging walls'.

你有什么话就直说，别拐弯抹角的。 (If you have something to say, say it directly, don't beat around the bush.)

Informal/Neutral

"旁敲侧击 (páng qiāo cè jī)"

— To attack from the side; to make indirect inquiries or hints.

记者旁敲侧击地问了几个敏感问题。 (The journalist asked a few sensitive questions indirectly.)

Neutral

"指桑骂槐 (zhǐ sāng mà huái)"

— To point at the mulberry tree and curse the locust tree; to scold someone indirectly by scolding someone else.

他表面上在骂员工，实际上是指桑骂槐，对老板不满。 (On the surface he is scolding the employee, but actually he is indirectly scolding the boss.)

Formal/Literary

"弦外之音 (xián wài zhī yīn)"

— Overtones; implications; reading between the lines. The indirect meaning behind the words.

你听出他话里的弦外之音了吗？ (Did you hear the implied meaning in his words?)

Formal

"含沙射影 (hán shā shè yǐng)"

— To attack someone by innuendo; to make indirect, malicious attacks. Literally 'holding sand to shoot at a shadow'.

这篇文章含沙射影地攻击了竞争对手。 (This article attacked the competitor through innuendo.)

Formal/Negative

"意在言外 (yì zài yán wài)"

— The meaning is beyond the words; implicit meaning.

这首诗意在言外，需要仔细品味。 (The meaning of this poem lies beyond the words and needs careful appreciation.)

Literary

"欲言又止 (yù yán yòu zhǐ)"

— To want to say something but then stop; to hesitate to speak, often leading to indirect communication.

看他欲言又止的样子，肯定有心事。 (Seeing him hesitate to speak, he definitely has something on his mind.)

Neutral

"闪烁其词 (shǎn shuò qí cí)"

— To speak evasively; to dodge the question indirectly.

对于这个问题，他一直闪烁其词。 (He has been speaking evasively regarding this question.)

Formal

"微言大义 (wēi yán dà yì)"

— Profound meaning in subtle words; conveying deep thoughts indirectly through simple language.

孔子的话往往微言大义。 (Confucius's words often contain profound meaning in subtle language.)

Literary

"醉翁之意不在酒 (zuì wēng zhī yì bù zài jiǔ)"

— The drunkard's interest is not in the wine; having an ulterior motive or an indirect goal.

他请客吃饭，其实是醉翁之意不在酒，想求你办事。 (He treated us to dinner, but his real intention is indirect; he wants to ask you for a favor.)

Formal/Idiomatic

Easily Confused

间接 vs 委婉

Both are translated as ways to avoid being direct.

间接 is objective. It describes a path that has an intermediary. 委婉 is subjective. It describes language designed to be polite and not hurt feelings. You can be indirectly cruel, but you cannot be tactfully cruel.

他间接地骂了我 (He indirectly scolded me - maybe through someone else). 他委婉地拒绝了我 (He tactfully rejected me - using polite words).

间接 vs 侧面

Both imply not approaching something head-on.

侧面 literally means 'flank' or 'side'. It is often used with verbs of perception (looking, understanding, inquiring). 间接 is broader and used for cause/effect, economics, and actions.

我从侧面打听了他的消息 (I inquired about his news from the side). 这件事间接导致了失败 (This matter indirectly led to failure).

间接 vs 中间

They share the character 间 and relate to things being 'between'.

中间 is a noun of locality meaning 'the middle' or 'center'. 间接 is an adjective/adverb meaning 'indirect'.

我站在他们中间 (I stand in the middle of them). 这是一个间接的方法 (This is an indirect method).

间接 vs 含蓄

Both describe Chinese communication styles.

含蓄 describes a personality or artistic style that is reserved, implicit, and holds back full expression. 间接 describes the structural method of delivery.

她的性格很含蓄 (Her personality is very reserved). 他用间接的方式告诉我 (He told me using an indirect method).

间接 vs 曲折

Both mean not straight.

曲折 is used for physical paths (winding roads) or complex, complicated plots/processes. 间接 is used for causal links or communication.

这条路很曲折 (This road is very winding). 这是一个间接原因 (This is an indirect reason).

Sentence Patterns

A 对 B 有间接的 + Noun

天气对交通有间接的影响。 (Weather has an indirect impact on traffic.)

A 间接(地) + Verb + 了 B

他的话间接地伤害了她。 (His words indirectly hurt her.)

不是直接...而是间接...

这不是直接的命令，而是间接的建议。 (This is not a direct order, but an indirect suggestion.)

A 是 B 的间接 + Noun

压力是许多疾病的间接原因。 (Stress is the indirect cause of many diseases.)

通过...间接 + Verb

他通过朋友间接了解了情况。 (He indirectly understood the situation through a friend.)

不仅有直接...更有间接...

这场危机不仅有直接损失，更有深远的间接影响。 (This crisis not only has direct losses, but even more profound indirect impacts.)

被...间接 + Verb

全球供应链被这场战争间接切断了。 (The global supply chain was indirectly cut off by this war.)

与其直接...不如间接...

与其直接冲突，不如间接化解。 (Rather than direct conflict, it is better to resolve it indirectly.)

Word Family

Nouns

间接性 (indirectness)

Adjectives

间接的 (indirect)

直接 (direct)

中间 (middle/between)

连接 (connect)

接触 (contact)

间隙 (gap)

How to Use It

frequency

Very High (Top 2000 words).

Common Mistakes

Using 间接 as a verb. Example: 我间接他。 → 我间接地联系他。 (I contacted him indirectly.)
间接 is an adjective or adverb, never an action verb. It describes how an action is done, so it must be paired with a real verb like 联系 (contact) or 告诉 (tell).
Putting 间接 at the end of the sentence. Example: 他影响了我间接。 → 他间接影响了我。 (He indirectly influenced me.)
Chinese adverbial modifiers must come before the verb, unlike in English where they often appear at the end of the sentence.
Confusing 间接 with 委婉. Example: 他的语气很间接。 → 他的语气很委婉。 (His tone was very tactful.)
间接 describes the structural path of an action. 委婉 describes a soft, polite, and tactful tone of voice or choice of words.
Using the wrong particle in writing. Example: 间接的导致。 → 间接地导致。 (Indirectly cause.)
When modifying a verb (导致), the correct structural particle is 地, not 的. While they sound the same, using the wrong one is a spelling error in Chinese.
Using 间接 for mathematical inverse proportions. Example: A和B成间接比例。 → A和B成反比。 (A and B are inversely proportional.)
In mathematics, 'indirectly proportional' or 'inversely proportional' is a specific term (成反比). 间接 is not used in this context.

Tips

Adverb Placement

Always place 间接 before the verb it modifies. In English, we say 'He helped me indirectly'. In Chinese, it must be 'He indirectly helped me' (他间接帮了我).

Pairing with 直接

Learn 间接 and 直接 as a pair. Whenever you learn a new collocation for one (e.g., 直接影响), practice it with the other (间接影响). This doubles your vocabulary efficiency.

The Art of Saving Face

When communicating with Chinese colleagues, if they give you an 间接 answer (like 'Let me think about it' instead of 'No'), recognize it as a polite refusal, not an invitation to keep pushing.

Use 的 and 地 Correctly

In written exams like the HSK, examiners look for correct particle usage. Use 间接的 + Noun and 间接地 + Verb to show you understand Chinese grammar structure.

Listen for the Dropped 'de'

In fast spoken Chinese, native speakers will almost never say 'jiàn jiē de gào sù wǒ'. They will just say 'jiàn jiē gào sù wǒ'. Train your ear to catch the word without the particle.

Upgrade to Chengyu

Once you master 间接, try using 拐弯抹角 in casual conversation to sound more native. '别拐弯抹角了' (Stop beating around the bush) is a great phrase to know.

Academic Signposts

In reading comprehension, the word 间接 often signals a deeper analysis or a secondary argument by the author. Pay close attention to sentences containing it.

Tone Contrast

Practice the 4th tone to 1st tone transition. It should feel like dropping a ball (jiàn) and then drawing a straight line in the air (jiē).

Don't Always Translate Literally

Sometimes 'indirectly' in English is better translated as 侧面 (from the side) or 委婉 (tactfully) depending on the exact nuance you want to convey.

Memorize Set Phrases

Don't just memorize the word; memorize the chunks. 间接影响 (indirect impact), 间接导致 (indirectly cause), and 间接经验 (indirect experience) cover 80% of daily usage.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a GIANT (jiàn) gap between two cliffs. To cross it, you need a JET (jiē) to connect you to the other side. You can't walk directly; you must use the jet indirectly to cross the giant gap. GIANT JET = jiàn jiē = indirect connection.

Visual Association

Visualize a straight line from A to B. Cross it out. Now visualize a line going from A to C, and then from C to B. The space (间) between A and B requires a secondary connection (接).

Word Web

间接 (Indirect) --> 间 (Gap/Space) ----> 时间 (Time) ----> 房间 (Room) ----> 中间 (Middle) --> 接 (Connect/Receive) ----> 直接 (Direct) ----> 接受 (Accept)

Challenge

Try to explain how a rumor spreads using the word 间接. For example: 'I didn't hear it from him, I heard it 间接 from his sister.'

Word Origin

The word 间接 (jiàn jiē) is composed of two ancient Chinese characters. 间 (jiàn) originally depicted the sun (日) or moon (月) shining through the gap in a double door (门). Thus, its core meaning is 'gap', 'space', or 'between'. 接 (jiē) is composed of the hand radical (扌) and a phonetic component (妾). Its original meaning was to receive or to connect with one's hands. When combined, the etymology suggests 'connecting across a gap'. Instead of two things touching directly, there is a space (间) between them, and a connection (接) is made across that space, hence 'indirect'.

Original meaning: Connecting across a gap or space.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

When translating, be careful not to equate 'indirect' with 'dishonest'. In Chinese, 间接 is a neutral or even positive structural concept.

English speakers often find Chinese indirectness frustrating, interpreting it as passive-aggressive or unclear. Conversely, Chinese speakers might find Western directness rude or overly aggressive.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu heavily emphasizes indirect tactics (迂回/间接) to defeat an enemy without direct confrontation. The concept of 'Guanxi' (relationships) relies heavily on indirect connections (间接关系) to achieve business goals. Classical Chinese poetry (like that of Li Bai or Du Fu) is famous for its indirect expression of emotion through nature.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Economics and Business

间接成本 (indirect cost)
间接税 (indirect tax)
间接损失 (indirect loss)
间接投资 (indirect investment)

Science and Medicine

间接传染 (indirect transmission)
间接证据 (indirect evidence)
间接接触 (indirect contact)
间接原因 (indirect cause)

Social Interactions

间接拒绝 (indirect rejection)
间接表达 (indirect expression)
间接暗示 (indirect hint)
间接赞美 (indirect praise)

Law and Politics

间接选举 (indirect election)
间接故意 (indirect intent)
间接责任 (indirect liability)
间接管辖 (indirect jurisdiction)

Daily Life / Gossip

间接听说 (indirectly heard)
间接认识 (indirectly know)
间接关系 (indirect relationship)
间接帮忙 (indirectly help)

Conversation Starters

"你觉得在职场中，直接沟通好还是间接沟通好？ (Do you think direct or indirect communication is better in the workplace?)"

"你有没有过被别人间接拒绝的经历？ (Have you ever had the experience of being indirectly rejected by someone?)"

"社交媒体对我们的生活产生了哪些间接影响？ (What indirect impacts has social media had on our lives?)"

"在你们国家的文化里，人们喜欢直接还是间接？ (In your country's culture, do people prefer to be direct or indirect?)"

"你能举一个间接导致严重后果的例子吗？ (Can you give an example of something that indirectly led to serious consequences?)"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you had to use an indirect method to solve a problem.

Write about the indirect consequences of a major decision you made in your life.

Compare the direct and indirect communication styles of two people you know.

Reflect on how learning Chinese has indirectly changed your perspective on the world.

Write a short story where a misunderstanding occurs due to indirect communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 间接 cannot be used as a verb. You cannot say '我间接他'. It must be used as an adjective (间接的影响) or an adverb (间接地告诉). If you want a verb meaning 'to indirect', you must use a phrase like '使用间接的方法' (use an indirect method).

When modifying a noun, you almost always need 的 (间接的经验), unless it is a highly established set phrase like 间接税 (indirect tax). When modifying a verb, grammatically you should use 地 (间接地影响), but in modern spoken Chinese, the 地 is very frequently dropped (间接影响).

间接 refers to the structural path—doing something through a middleman or secondary step. 委婉 refers to the tone—speaking gently to avoid offense. A boss telling your colleague to tell you that your work is bad is 间接 (indirect) but not necessarily 委婉 (tactful).

In mathematics and science, 'indirectly proportional' or 'inversely proportional' is translated as 成反比 (chéng fǎn bǐ), not using the word 间接. 间接 is used for causal relationships, not mathematical ratios.

It depends entirely on the context. In business and social etiquette, being 间接 is often highly valued as a sign of respect and emotional intelligence (saving face). However, in situations requiring efficiency or emergency response, being too 间接 (拐弯抹角) can be seen as frustrating or evasive.

The direct opposite is 直接 (zhí jiē), which means direct, straightforward, or immediate. They are often used together in contrastive sentences: '无论是直接还是间接' (Whether direct or indirect).

Yes, but it is less common than words like 绕路 (detour) or 曲折 (winding). You can say 间接的路线 (indirect route), but it sounds slightly formal. It is much more commonly used for abstract concepts like causes, effects, and communication.

Remember the mnemonic: GIANT JET. 'Jiàn' sounds a bit like the start of giant, and 'jiē' sounds like jet. You use a giant jet to cross an indirect gap. Also, pay strict attention to the tones: 4th tone (falling) then 1st tone (flat).

Yes, Chinese is rich in idioms for this. The most common conversational one is 拐弯抹角 (beating around the bush). A more formal one is 旁敲侧击 (attacking from the side/making indirect inquiries).

Not directly. You wouldn't say '他是一个间接的人' (He is an indirect person). Instead, you would describe their communication style: '他说话很间接' (He speaks very indirectly) or use character adjectives like 含蓄 (reserved/implicit).