Translation guide
The English verb 'imply' covers a range of indirect communication, from hinting at something without stating it directly to logically suggesting a consequence. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you are hinting, suggesting, insinuating, or indicating something indirectly.
To communicate something without saying it directly, often to be polite or avoid confrontation.
The most common and versatile verb for 'imply' in the sense of hinting or suggesting something indirectly. It can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は辞職をほのめかした。
He implied that he would resign.
彼女は不満をほのめかした。
She hinted at her dissatisfaction.
Literally 'show in the dark', this phrase means to imply or suggest indirectly. It is slightly more formal and often used in written contexts.
彼は暗に賛成を示した。
He implied his agreement.
Means 'to show between the lines', emphasizing that the meaning is not in the words themselves. Used for subtle implications.
彼の言葉は言外に不満を示していた。
His words implied dissatisfaction.
A casual, trendy term meaning 'to give off a hint/scent of something'. Often used in social media or gossip contexts, like hinting at a relationship.
彼女はインスタで交際を匂わせている。
She's implying she's in a relationship on Instagram.
To indicate a logical consequence or necessary condition without stating it explicitly.
A formal term used in logic, philosophy, and academic writing. It means 'to imply' in the sense of logical entailment.
この前提は矛盾を含意する。
This premise implies a contradiction.
A general verb meaning 'to mean' or 'to signify'. It can be used when something implies a certain meaning or consequence, though it is less specific than '含意する'.
沈黙は同意を意味する。
Silence implies consent.
A grammatical pattern meaning 'it follows that...' or 'it means that...'. It is used to state an implication or logical conclusion.
そうすると、彼が犯人ということになる。
That would imply he is the culprit.
To imply something unpleasant or accusatory, often in a sly or indirect way.
To insinuate or make a snide remark. It carries a negative connotation, implying criticism or sarcasm.
彼は私の失敗を当てこすった。
He insinuated that I had failed.
To make a snide or sarcastic remark. It implies criticism indirectly, often with a nasty tone.
彼女は嫌味を言って、私の服装を批判した。
She made a snide remark implying criticism of my outfit.
A formal word meaning 'to suggest' or 'to hint at'. It can be used for negative implications in official or written contexts.
報告書は不正を強く示唆している。
The report strongly implies wrongdoing.
English speakers often try to use '暗示する' (anji suru) for 'imply', but this word is more like 'to hint' or 'to suggest' in a deliberate, often mysterious way. It is not a general-purpose equivalent and can sound unnatural in many contexts. Use 'ほのめかす' or other options depending on the nuance.
彼は辞職をほのめかした。
He implied he would resign. (Natural)
彼は辞職を暗示した。
He hinted at his resignation. (Unnatural/overly dramatic)