JLPT N1Kanji compounds

示唆

Readingしさshisa

Meaning
それとなくほのめかして気付かせること
Explanation
「示唆(しさ)」 means to hint indirectly so that someone notices, used as in 「解決策を示唆する」(to suggest a solution). The reading is 「しさ」 (also 「じさ」). In contrast to c4's explicit 「はっきり言葉で命じる」(to order clearly in words), its core is conveying indirectly without stating directly. Unlike c1's harsh criticism, it is a gentle way of communicating.
Original Japanese explanation

「示唆(しさ)」はそれとなくほのめかして気付かせることで、「解決策を示唆する」のように使う。読みは「しさ」(「じさ」とも)。c4の「はっきり言葉で命じる」明示とは対照的に、直接言わず暗に伝える点が核心。c1の厳しい指摘とは異なり穏やかな伝達方法である。

Examples
  • 解決策を示唆する

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