潜移默化 (qián yí mò huà) — to exert a subtle, imperceptible influence (over time); (of influence) gradual and unnoticed
Definition
A four-character phrase meaning influence that is gradual and so subtle the person affected doesn't notice it. Often paired with 影响 or used as an attributive (潜移默化的) to describe a slow, unconscious effect over time.
phrase
to exert a subtleimperceptible influence (over time)(of influence) gradual and unnoticed
Examples
- 潜移默化。Jiā tíng huán jìng huì qián yí mò huà dì yǐng xiǎng hái zi de xìng gé.The family environment will subtly influence a child's personality.
- 潜移默化，。Zhè zhǒng wén huà chuán tǒng shì qián yí mò huà de, xū yào jǐ dài rén cái néng xíng chéng.This cultural tradition is formed through imperceptible influence; it takes several generations to develop.
- 潜移默化。Guǎng gào duì xiāo fèi zhě de yǐng xiǎng wǎng wǎng shì qián yí mò huà de.The influence of advertising on consumers is often subtle and gradual.
Appears in
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