Definition
潜在 (qiánzài) means 'potential' or 'latent' — an existing quality that has not yet manifested. It differs from 隐蔽 (yǐnbì), which implies deliberately hidden or hard to detect. 隐性 (yǐnxìng) is a specialized term for 'hidden' in fixed phrases (e.g., recessive genes, hidden costs), while 潜在 is broader in collocation (潜在需求 'potential demand').
adjective
potentiallatenthidden (existing but not yet manifest or developed)
Examples
- 潜在。Zhège shìchǎng yǒu jùdà de qián zài xūqiú.This market has huge potential demand.
- 潜在。Zhège chǎnpǐn cúnzài qián zài de ānquán wèntí.This product has potential safety issues.
- 潜在。Tā fāxiàn le zìjǐ de qián zài nénglì.He discovered his hidden abilities.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.