Definition
潜移默化 (qián yí mò huà) is a four-character idiom describing a subtle, gradual influence that works imperceptibly over time, like the shaping of character by environment. It can be used as a noun phrase or as an adverbial modifier with 地. The focus is on the process being unnoticed and cumulative.
phrase
to exert a subtleimperceptible influence (over time)(of influence) gradual and unnoticed
Examples
- 潜移默化。Jiātíng huánjìng huì qián yí mò huà de yǐngxiǎng háizi de xìnggé.The family environment will subtly influence a child's personality.
- 潜移默化，。Zhè zhǒng wénhuà chuántǒng shì qián yí mò huà de, xūyào jǐ dài rén cái néng xíngchéng.This cultural tradition is formed through imperceptible influence; it takes several generations to develop.
- 潜移默化。Guǎnggào duì xiāofèizhě de yǐngxiǎng wǎngwǎng shì qián yí mò huà de.The influence of advertising on consumers is often subtle and gradual.
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