Translation guide
To suggest something indirectly without stating it explicitly. In Japanese, this is often expressed through implication, vague phrasing, or specific verbs and phrases that convey indirect suggestion.
To imply or indicate something without saying it directly, often in conversation or writing.
The most direct equivalent for 'hint at'. Used when someone subtly suggests something, often with a nuance of dropping hints or insinuating.
He hinted at resigning.
She hinted that she knew the secret.
Literally 'to make smell', used colloquially to mean dropping hints or subtly suggesting something, often in social media or casual conversation.
He hinted that he has a girlfriend.
A formal term for 'suggest' or 'hint at', often used in academic, business, or official contexts.
The report hints at there being a problem.
Literally 'to say implicitly'. Used when someone implies something without stating it directly, often in a deliberate manner.
He hinted that he was against it.
To suggest that something might be true or might happen, often based on evidence or signs.
A formal pattern meaning 'to hint at the possibility of ~'. Used in news, reports, or serious discussions.
Experts hinted at the possibility of a recession.
Literally 'to show signs of'. Used when something hints at a future development or change.
The economy is hinting at recovery.
To refer to something indirectly, often in literature, speech, or conversation.
Means 'to mention' or 'to refer to'. When used with vague language, it can convey hinting at something without full detail.
He hinted at the incident but didn't give details.
Literally 'to touch on'. Used when briefly mentioning or alluding to a topic without going into depth.
ほのめかす is more conversational and implies dropping hints, often with a nuance of insinuation. 示唆する is formal and objective, used in reports or official statements to suggest possibilities based on evidence.
My friend hinted at changing jobs.
The data hints at improvement.
English 'hint at' cannot be directly translated as 'ヒントを出す' in most contexts. That phrase means 'to give a hint' in the sense of a clue or tip, not to indirectly suggest something. Use ほのめかす or other options instead.
The president hinted at future plans.