hesitant in speech; evasive; mumbling
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesadjective
hesitant in speech; evasive; mumbling; stammering
A reduplicative AABB-form adjective (吞→吞吞, 吐→吐吐) describing speech that is faltering or unclear due to reservations, fear, or embarrassment. Often carries a connotation of suspicion or dishonesty.
Tā他
shuō说
huà话
zǒng总
shì是
tūn吞
tūn吞
tǔ吐
tǔ吐
de的
，
ràng让
rén人
zháo着
jí急
。
He always speaks so haltingly, which makes people anxious.
Nǐ你
yǒu有
shén什
me么
huà话
jiù就
zhí直
shuō说
，
bié别
tūn吞
tūn吞
tǔ吐
tǔ吐
de的
。
If you have something to say, just say it directly; don't be so evasive.
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Tā他
tūn吞
tūn吞
tǔ吐
tǔ吐
de地
miáo描
shù述
le了
dāng当
shí时
de的
qíng情
kuàng况
。
He described the situation at that time haltingly.
Bié别
tūn吞
tūn吞
tǔ吐
tǔ吐
de的
，
kuài快
gào告
su诉
wǒ我
dào到
dǐ底
fā发
shēng生
le了
shén什
me么
！
Stop stalling and tell me quickly what exactly happened!