Definition
隐性 describes something that is hidden or not obvious, but exists inherently — like hidden costs or recessive genes. It contrasts with 隐形 (yǐnxíng, 'invisible'), which means not visible to the eye, and 潜在 (qiánzài, 'potential/latent'), which emphasizes something that exists but hasn't yet appeared. 隐性 is more about an inherent, often structural, hidden quality.
adjective
hiddencovertunseen (in costs, factors, etc.)(genetics) recessive (as in 隐性基因)(prefix) crypto-latent
Easily confused
- 急性jí xìnglook-alikeacute (of disease, rapid onset)
- 隐形yǐn xíngsound-alikeinvisible
- 阴性yīn xìngsound-alike(noun) negative (test result, indicating absence of a condition)
Examples
- 隐性。Zuò yùsuàn shí yào bǎ yǐn xìng chéngběn dōu suàn jìnqù.When making a budget, you need to factor in all hidden costs.
- 隐性。Zhè zhǒng jíbìng yóu yǐn xìng jīyīn yíchuán gěi xià yí dài.This disease is passed on to the next generation by a recessive gene.
- ，隐性。Tā biǎomiàn shàng hěn kāilǎng, qíshí yǒu yǐn xìng de zìbēi xīnlǐ.He seems cheerful on the surface, but actually has a hidden sense of inferiority.
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