Definition

1. Verb:

   • To hide, to conceal: To deliberately place something out of sight or keep it secret from others.
   • To harbor, to shelter: To contain or provide a place for something within, often implying protection or unseen presence.

2. Adjective (Attributive):

   • Hidden, concealed, latent: Used to describe a quality, potential, or element that exists but is not immediately visible or apparent.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ta ẩn tàng nhiều bí mật trong lòng. (He harbors many secrets in his heart.)
  • Khu rừng ẩn tàng những mối nguy hiểm khó lường. (The forest conceals unpredictable dangers.)
• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy có một vẻ đẹp ẩn tàng. (She has a latent beauty.)
  • Đây là một khả năng ẩn tàng cần được khai phá. (This is a hidden potential that needs to be unlocked.)

Advanced Usage

• Often used in literary, philosophical, or formal contexts to describe abstract concepts, emotions, talents, or dangers that are not outwardly visible.
• Can imply a deeper, more intrinsic quality rather than a physically hidden object.

Variants and Related Words

• Ẩn (v): to hide, to go into hiding. Often used independently for physical concealment.
  • Nhà thơ ẩn mình trong núi. (The poet hid himself in the mountains.)
• Tiềm tàng (adj): potential, latent. A close synonym emphasizing inherent, dormant qualities.
  • Năng lượng tiềm tàng. (Potential energy.)

Synonyms

• To conceal: to prevent something from being seen or known.
• To harbor: to hold or contain a thought or feeling, often secretly.
• Latent: existing but not yet developed or manifest.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Ẩn tàng bên trong: to lie hidden within.
  • Sự thật ẩn tàng bên trong những lời nói dối. (The truth lies hidden within the lies.)