noun HSK 5
Traditional 奧秘
ào
mystery · secret · profound mystery

Meaning

奥秘 refers to something mysterious, hidden, or difficult to understand—often used for deep secrets of nature, science, or life. It carries a sense of profundity and wonder, suggesting knowledge that is not easily accessible or requires special insight to comprehend.

Usage

This word is commonly used in written and formal contexts, especially when discussing scientific mysteries, philosophical questions, or the hidden workings of nature. Native speakers often use it to describe things like "宇宙的奥秘" (mysteries of the universe) or "生命的奥秘" (mysteries of life). It has a more literary and elevated tone compared to everyday words for secret.

Examples

  1. 01
    科学家们正在努力探索大脑的奥秘
    Kēxuéjiāmen zhèngzài nǔlì tànsuǒ dànǎo de àomì.
    Scientists are working hard to explore the mysteries of the brain.
  2. 02
    这本书揭开了古代文明的许多奥秘
    Zhè běn shū jiēkāile gǔdài wénmíng de xǔduō àomì.
    This book unveils many mysteries of ancient civilizations.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个奥秘

Common collocations

  • 宇宙的奥秘
    zhòu de ào
    mysteries of the universe
  • 生命的奥秘
    shēng mìng de ào
    mysteries of life
  • 探索奥秘
    tàn suō ào
    to explore mysteries
  • 揭开奥秘
    jiē kāi ào
    to unveil mysteries

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters contribute to the sense of hidden profundity: 奥 originally meant deep or interior spaces, while 秘 means secret or concealed. Together they form a word for mysteries that lie deep beneath the surface.

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