Phono-semantic — one part hints at the meaning, another at the sound
Example phrases
两国关系出现微妙变化,任何措辞不当都可能引发误解。Liǎng guó guānxì chūxiàn wēimiào biànhuà, rènhé cuòcí bùdàng dōu kěnéng yǐnfā wùjiě.Subtle changes have appeared in relations between the two countries, and any inappropriate wording could cause misunderstanding.
这道菜的味道很微妙,甜中带一点辣。Zhè dào cài de wèidào hěn wēimiào, tián zhōng dài yīdiǎn là.The flavor of this dish is subtle: sweet with a slight hint of spiciness.
他的态度很微妙,既不答应,也不拒绝。Tā de tàidù hěn wēimiào, jì bù dāying, yě bù jùjué.His attitude is very subtle: he neither agrees nor refuses.