in the dark; secretly; behind the scenes
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesnoun
in the dark; within darkness
Refers to a literal, physical space lacking light.
Tínɡ停
diàn电
le了
，
wǒ我
men们
zhǐ只
nénɡ能
zài在
àn暗
zhōnɡ中
mō摸
suǒ索
qián前
jìn进
。
The power is out, so we can only grope our way forward in the dark.
Wǒ我
kàn看
jiàn见
yí一
ɡè个
hēi黑
yǐnɡ影
zài在
àn暗
zhōnɡ中
yí移
dònɡ动
。
I saw a dark shadow moving in the darkness.
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Tā他
duǒ躲
zài在
àn暗
zhōnɡ中
ɡuān观
chá察
wài外
miàn面
de的
qínɡ情
kuànɡ况
。
He hid in the dark, observing the situation outside.
noun
secretly; behind the scenes; on the sly
Refers to actions done covertly, without others' knowledge. Often has a slightly negative connotation of scheming.
Yǒu有
rén人
zài在
àn暗
zhōnɡ中
dǎ打
tīnɡ听
tā他
de的
xiāo消
xi息
。
Someone is secretly inquiring about his information.
Tā他
huái怀
yí疑
jìnɡ竞
zhēnɡ争
duì对
shǒu手
zài在
àn暗
zhōnɡ中
zuò做
le了
shǒu手
jiǎo脚
。
He suspects his competitor played dirty tricks behind the scenes.
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Hěn很
duō多
shì事
qinɡ情
dōu都
shì是
zài在
àn暗
zhōnɡ中
cāo操
zuò作
de的
，
ɡōnɡ公
zhònɡ众
bìnɡ并
bù不
zhī知
qínɡ情
。
Many things are manipulated secretly, and the public is unaware.
Tā她
yì一
zhí直
zài在
àn暗
zhōnɡ中
bānɡ帮
zhù助
zhè这
wèi位
pín贫
kùn困
xué学
shenɡ生
。
She has been secretly helping this poor student all along.