Translation guide
Ways to express a hint, subtle suggestion, or indirect communication in Japanese.
He gave an intimation of his resignation.
A hint or suggestion, often used in psychological or literary contexts, but also in everyday speech.
Her words contained an intimation of parting.
A common phrase meaning to say something indirectly or hint at something without being explicit.
He intimated his dissatisfaction indirectly.
A formal word for suggestion or intimation, often used in academic or official contexts.
The report gave an intimation of policy change.
A small clue or signal that something is happening or will happen.
A sign or omen, often used for natural phenomena or future events.
Intimations of spring began to appear.
A sense or indication of something, often used for presence or atmosphere.
A foreboding or premonition, often used for negative events.
Giving a subtle warning or advance notice about something.
ほのめかし is more about implying something indirectly in conversation, while 暗示 is often used for psychological suggestion or hidden meanings in art and literature.
I realized the truth from his intimation.
This novel contains many intimations.
The English word 'intimation' is often translated as 暗示 or ほのめかし, but in many cases, Japanese speakers would use a verb phrase like それとなく言う or simply omit the indirectness if it's clear from context. Overusing nouns can sound unnatural.
部屋に誰かの気配を感じた。
I felt an intimation of someone in the room.
その沈黙は嵐の予兆だった。
The silence was an intimation of the storm.
解雇の通告を受けた。
I received an intimation of dismissal.