韞 (yùn) - To contain & to conceal

韞Tone 4

yùn ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

悦丈

韞 · yùn

To contain;

to conceal;

to hide talent or treasure;

to store away precious things.

To containto concealto hide talent or treasure

Usage highlights

Contain jadeStore in a caseHidden treasureConceal talentContain virtueHidden beauty

Synonyms

  • 藏— to hide, conceal
  • 隱— to conceal, hide
  • 含— to contain, hold

Antonyms

  • 露— to reveal, expose
  • 顯— to display, show
  • 揚— to publicize, spread

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He conceals his talents and waits for the right opportunity (韞櫝而藏).
  • The jade is hidden in the stone (韞玉於石).
  • She keeps her wisdom hidden (韞智待時).
  • This book contains profound knowledge (韞含深意).

Collocations

  • Contain jade(韞玉)
  • Store in a case(韞櫝)
  • Hidden treasure(韞藏)
  • Conceal talent(韞才)
  • Contain virtue(韞德)
  • Hidden beauty(韞秀)

Idioms

  • Hide one's light under a bushel(韞櫝而藏)
  • Jade hidden in stone(韞玉待價)
  • Conceal virtue and await the right time(韞德待時)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Derived from classical Chinese philosophy emphasizing humility and waiting for the right moment.
  • Often used in contexts of talented individuals who remain modest and bide their time.
  • Associated with the Confucian ideal of the 'superior man' who doesn't show off his abilities.

FAQ