Definition
影子 (yǐngzi) is a noun meaning 'shadow' or 'reflection' — the physical dark shape cast by light or an image in water. Its figurative sense 'trace, hint' is weaker than 痕迹 (hénjì 'clear trace/mark') and 迹象 (jìxiàng 'sign/indication'); 影子 suggests a faint, barely perceptible trace. Do not confuse with the verb 反映 (fǎnyìng 'to reflect') or 阴影 (yīnyǐng 'shadow' as a dark area or psychological shadow).
noun
shadowreflection(fig.) tracehintinfluence
Measure word · 个
Examples
- ，影子。Tàiyáng hěn dà, dìshang méiyǒu yǐng zi.The sun is very strong, there is no shadow on the ground.
- 影子。Tā zài shuǐ lǐ kàn dào le zìjǐ de yǐng zi.He saw his own reflection in the water.
- 影子，。Zhè jiàn shì méiyǒu yì diǎn yǐng zi, nǐ bié xìn.This matter has no trace of truth, don't believe it.
Browse more HSK 6 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.