decipher
word
Definition
To figure out the meaning of something that is difficult to understand, like a secret code or unclear handwriting.
Usage & Nuances
Often used with texts, codes, handwriting, or mysterious signals. Formal and academic. Common collocation: 'decipher a code,' 'decipher handwriting.' Do not confuse with 'decode,' which is more technical.
Spanish: descifrarPortuguese (BR): decifrarPortuguese (PT): decifrarChinese (Simplified): 破译 - 解读Chinese (Traditional): 解碼 - 破譯Hindi: समझ लेना - डिकोड करनाArabic: فك الشفرة - تفسيرBengali: উদ্ধার করা - ব্যাখ্যা করা (গোপন বার্তা অথবা লেখার অর্থ উদ্ধার করার জন্য)Russian: расшифровать - разобрать (почерк, текст)Japanese: 解読するVietnamese: giải mã - giải nghĩaKorean: 해독하다 - 판독하다Turkish: deşifre etmek - çözmekUrdu: حل کرنا (پیغام یا رمز)Indonesian: memecahkan - menguraikan
Example Sentences
Can you decipher this message?
basic
The detective tried to decipher the strange code.
basic
I couldn't decipher his handwriting.
basic
It took me hours to decipher what she meant by her text.
natural
Experts finally managed to decipher the ancient symbols.
natural
Sometimes I can't decipher my own notes after a long day.
natural