'Àn tì' literally combines 'àn' (dark, hidden, concealed) and 'tì' (drawer, compartment), referring to a drawer that is not immediately visible — often built into furniture like desks, cabinets, or tables with a flush surface or disguised front panel. These drawers are designed for discreet storage of valuables, documents, or personal items, emphasizing security and aesthetics.

Concealed drawers are common in traditional Chinese furniture (e.g., Ming- and Qing-style cabinets) and modern minimalist designs where clean lines are prioritized. Unlike ordinary drawers with visible handles or fronts, àn tì may open via hidden mechanisms — such as pressing a recessed spot, sliding a panel, or lifting a section of the tabletop. The term implies intentionality in concealment, not just physical obscurity, and is used descriptively in interior design, antiques appraisal, and furniture-making contexts.