Translation guide
Ways to express a hint, subtle suggestion, or indirect communication in Japanese.
Conveying something without stating it directly, often to be polite or avoid confrontation.
A noun meaning a hint or intimation, often used when someone implies something indirectly.
彼は辞職のほのめかしをした。
He gave an intimation of his resignation.
A small clue or signal that something is happening or will happen.
A sign or omen, often used for natural phenomena or future events.
Giving a subtle warning or advance notice about something.
To inform in advance, often used when giving a heads-up.
彼は変更を事前に知らせてくれた。
He gave me an intimation of the changes in advance.
ほのめかし is more about implying something indirectly in conversation, while 暗示 is often used for psychological suggestion or hidden meanings in art and literature.
彼のほのめかしで真実に気づいた。
I realized the truth from his intimation.
この小説には多くの暗示が含まれている。
This novel contains many intimations.
The English word 'intimation' is often translated as 暗示 or ほのめかし, but in many cases, Japanese speakers would use a verb phrase like それとなく言う or simply omit the indirectness if it's clear from context. Overusing nouns can sound unnatural.
A hint or suggestion, often used in psychological or literary contexts, but also in everyday speech.
彼女の言葉には別れの暗示が含まれていた。
Her words contained an intimation of parting.
A common phrase meaning to say something indirectly or hint at something without being explicit.
彼はそれとなく不満を言った。
He intimated his dissatisfaction indirectly.
A formal word for suggestion or intimation, often used in academic or official contexts.
報告書は政策変更の示唆を与えた。
The report gave an intimation of policy change.
春の兆しが見え始めた。
Intimations of spring began to appear.
A sense or indication of something, often used for presence or atmosphere.
部屋に誰かの気配を感じた。
I felt an intimation of someone in the room.
A foreboding or premonition, often used for negative events.
その沈黙は嵐の予兆だった。
The silence was an intimation of the storm.
A formal notice or notification, often used in legal or official contexts.
解雇の通告を受けた。
I received an intimation of dismissal.