Translation guide
To suggest something indirectly without stating it explicitly. In Japanese, this is often expressed through implication, vague phrasing, or specific verbs and phrases that convey indirect suggestion.
To imply or indicate something without saying it directly, often in conversation or writing.
The most direct equivalent for 'hint at'. Used when someone subtly suggests something, often with a nuance of dropping hints or insinuating.
To suggest that something might be true or might happen, often based on evidence or signs.
A formal pattern meaning 'to hint at the possibility of ~'. Used in news, reports, or serious discussions.
専門家は景気後退の可能性を示唆した。
Experts hinted at the possibility of a recession.
To refer to something indirectly, often in literature, speech, or conversation.
Means 'to mention' or 'to refer to'. When used with vague language, it can convey hinting at something without full detail.
彼はその事件に言及したが、詳細は話さなかった。
He hinted at the incident but didn't give details.
ほのめかす is more conversational and implies dropping hints, often with a nuance of insinuation. 示唆する is formal and objective, used in reports or official statements to suggest possibilities based on evidence.
友達が転職をほのめかした。
My friend hinted at changing jobs.
データは改善を示唆している。
The data hints at improvement.
English 'hint at' cannot be directly translated as 'ヒントを出す' in most contexts. That phrase means 'to give a hint' in the sense of a clue or tip, not to indirectly suggest something. Use ほのめかす or other options instead.
彼は辞職をほのめかした。
He hinted at resigning.
彼女は秘密を知っているとほのめかした。
She hinted that she knew the secret.
Literally 'to make smell', used colloquially to mean dropping hints or subtly suggesting something, often in social media or casual conversation.
彼は彼女がいることを匂わせた。
He hinted that he has a girlfriend.
A formal term for 'suggest' or 'hint at', often used in academic, business, or official contexts.
報告書は問題があることを示唆している。
The report hints at there being a problem.
Literally 'to say implicitly'. Used when someone implies something without stating it directly, often in a deliberate manner.
彼は暗に反対だと言った。
He hinted that he was against it.
Literally 'to show signs of'. Used when something hints at a future development or change.
経済は回復の兆しを見せている。
The economy is hinting at recovery.
Literally 'to touch on'. Used when briefly mentioning or alluding to a topic without going into depth.
社長は将来の計画に触れた。
The president hinted at future plans.