When combined, 暗恋 (ànliàn) literally translates to “secret love,” perfectly capturing the idea of a romance that is kept in the dark and hidden from its object.
In many Western cultures, having a “crush” is often followed by encouragement to “just go for it.” The Chinese concept of 暗恋 (ànliàn), however, occupies a much more romanticized and prolonged space in the cultural imagination. This stems from traditional values that favor subtlety and avoiding direct confrontation. Confessing love directly can be seen as overly forward and risks causing both parties to “lose face” (丢脸 - diūliǎn) if the feelings aren't mutual. Therefore, the period of secretly loving someone is not just a phase but a common, almost expected, social experience, especially for young people. 暗恋 vs. a Western “Crush”: While a “crush” is the closest English equivalent, 暗恋 (ànliàn) emphasizes the secrecy and the internal emotional landscape far more. It's the central plot of countless Chinese dramas, songs, and novels, often portrayed as a pure, noble, and bittersweet form of love. The focus is less on the potential for a relationship and more on the feeling of loving itself, even if it's from a distance. The silence of an `ànliàn` is what makes its eventual confession, or 表白 (biǎobái), such a dramatic and pivotal moment.
暗恋 (ànliàn) is an extremely common word used in informal, everyday contexts.