Usage and Nuances
The verb 隐瞒 (yǐnmán) means 'to conceal' or 'to hide information,' often implying intentional deception or withholding of truth. It is commonly used in contexts where someone deliberately keeps facts secret, especially negative or sensitive information.
Common Collocations
- 隐瞒事实 (yǐnmán shìshí): to conceal the facts
- 隐瞒病情 (yǐnmán bìngqíng): to hide an illness
- 隐瞒真相 (yǐnmán zhēnxiàng): to conceal the truth
These collocations emphasize the act of deliberately hiding important information.
Register and Tone
隐瞒 is formal and often used in written or serious spoken contexts, such as news reports, legal discussions, or formal complaints. It carries a negative connotation, implying dishonesty or unethical behavior.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 隐瞒 with 隐藏 (yǐncáng), which means 'to hide' but is more neutral and can refer to physical hiding or abstract concealment without the implication of deception. 隐瞒 specifically involves hiding information with intent to deceive.