潛 (qián) - To dive & to submerge

潛Tone 2

qián ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

器情

潛 · qián

To dive;

to submerge;

to hide;

to conceal;

to lurk;

potential;

latent.

To diveto submergeto hide

Usage highlights

DivePotentialLurkSubmarineHidden dangerSneak attack

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The submarine can dive deep underwater (潛入水中).
  • He has great potential for development (潛力很大).
  • This is a hidden danger that needs attention (潛在危險).
  • The crocodile lurks in the water waiting for prey (鱷魚潛伏在水中).

Collocations

  • Dive(潛水)
  • Potential(潛力)
  • Lurk(潛伏)
  • Submarine(潛艇)
  • Hidden danger(潛在危險)
  • Sneak attack(潛襲)

Idioms

  • Hide one's capabilities and bide one's time(韜光養晦)
  • Dive deep and hide secretly(潛蹤匿跡)
  • Move stealthily and act secretly(潛行匿影)
  • Dive into the abyss(潛入深淵)
  • Hidden dragon, crouching tiger(潛龍伏虎)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese philosophy, '潛' often refers to the state of hiding one's talents and waiting for the right moment, as described in the I Ching.
  • The character is associated with water elements and the concept of depth, both literal and metaphorical.
  • In military strategy, '潛' relates to stealth operations and surprise attacks.

FAQ