隐瞒
How to Understand
隐瞒 means to hide or conceal something, especially a fact or information, from others. It implies intentional secrecy and is often used in contexts where truth-telling is expected or required.
The character 隐 (yǐn) means 'to hide' or 'to be concealed,' while 瞒 (mán) means 'to cover up' or 'to keep secret.' Together, they form a compound verb that emphasizes the act of deliberately withholding information.
隐瞒 is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, such as in legal, personal, or professional contexts. It can carry negative connotations, suggesting dishonesty or deception. In Chinese culture, honesty is highly valued, so concealing the truth may be seen as morally wrong unless there's a justifiable reason.