Usage and Meaning
The character 揭 (jiē) primarily means "to lift or remove a cover," such as lifting a lid or uncovering something physically. It is also frequently used in a figurative sense to mean "to expose" or "to reveal" information, especially secrets or hidden facts.
Common Contexts
- Physical uncovering: 揭开 (jiē kāi) is a common collocation meaning "to lift off" or "to uncover" a cover or lid.
- Exposing information: 揭露 (jiē lù) means "to expose" or "to reveal" often used in journalistic or investigative contexts.
- Revealing plans or secrets: 揭示 (jiē shì) means "to reveal" or "to disclose" details or ideas.
Collocations and Patterns
- 揭开盖子 (lift off the lid): used literally for physical uncovering.
- 揭露真相 (expose the truth): used for revealing hidden facts or corruption.
- 揭示计划 (reveal a plan): used when disclosing information or intentions.
Nuances
When using 揭 in the sense of exposing information, it often carries a serious or formal tone, commonly found in news reports or formal discussions. It is less casual than words like 说 or 告诉 when talking about revealing information.
Avoid confusing 揭 with 掀 (xiān), which also means "to lift" but is more often used for lifting something flexible like a curtain or a blanket, whereas 揭 is more general and can be used for covers, lids, or metaphorical uncovering.