Definition
潜伏 (qiánfú) means 'to lurk, to hide' — it focuses on staying hidden while waiting, often for a purpose (e.g., a spy or virus). Unlike 隐瞒/掩盖/掩饰 (which hide information or the truth), 潜伏 is about hiding oneself or a threat; unlike 埋伏 (ambush), it doesn't imply an immediate attack. For online lurking, use 潜水 (qiánshuǐ).
verb
to lurkto be in hiding (for people, animals)to be latentto be dormant (for diseases, dangers)
Examples
- 潜伏。Jiàndié qián fú zài chéngshì lǐ.The spy lurks in the city.
- 。Zhè zhǒng bìngdú qián fú qī hěn cháng.This virus has a long incubation period.
- 潜伏，。Tā zài ànzhōng qián fú, děngdài jīhuì.He lurks in the dark, waiting for an opportunity.
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