Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to cover up' or 'to conceal' with 掩盖 (yǎngài)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    掩盖 + Object; 以 + 掩盖

    Explanation

    掩盖 (yǎngài) means "to cover up," "to conceal," or "to hide." It is used when someone deliberately hides the truth, evidence, or wrongdoing. It combines 掩 (to cover) and 盖 (to lid/cover), and it carries a strong negative connotation of intentional deception.

    Examples

    • 他试图掩盖自己犯下的错误。

      tā shìtú yǎngài zìjǐ fànxià de cuòwù.

      He tried to cover up the mistakes he had made.

    • 纸是包不住火的,真相无法掩盖。

      zhǐ shì bāo bú zhù huǒ de, zhēnxiàng wúfǎ yǎngài.

      Paper cannot wrap fire; the truth cannot be covered up.

    • 她用笑容掩盖了内心的悲伤。

      tā yòng xiàoróng yǎngàile nèixīn de bēishāng.

      She hid her inner sadness behind a smile.

    Expressing 'to cover up' or 'to conceal' with 掩盖 (yǎngài) | Chinese Grammar