暗地里

àndìlǐ

secretly; inwardly; on the sly

HSK 7

漢字分解

Meaning and Usage

The adverb '暗地里' (àndìlǐ) means 'secretly' or 'behind the scenes.' It describes actions done in a concealed or private manner, often without others knowing. It is commonly used to talk about discreet help, secret discussions, or hidden criticisms.

Common Collocations

  • 暗地里帮助 (secretly help): emphasizes offering assistance without public recognition.
  • 暗地里商量 (secretly discuss): refers to private planning or plotting.
  • 暗地里批评 (criticize behind someone's back): implies negative judgment done without openness.

Usage Notes

'暗地里' is often used in informal and formal contexts where secrecy or discretion is implied. It usually carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on context, especially when related to criticism or plotting. It differs from '偷偷' which often implies stealth or sneaky behavior, while '暗地里' focuses more on the hidden nature of the action.

Avoid confusing '暗地里' with '公开' (publicly) or '' (openly), which are opposites in meaning.

例文

他暗地里帮助了很多同事,却从不张扬。

Tā àndìlǐ bāngzhùle hěn duō tóngshì, què cóng bù zhāngyáng.

He secretly helped many colleagues but never boasted about it.

他们暗地里商量着一个计划,没有告诉任何人。

Tāmen àndìlǐ shāngliáng zhe yí gè jìhuà, méiyǒu gàosù rènhé rén.

They were secretly discussing a plan without telling anyone.

暗地里批评别人是不礼貌的行为。

Àndìlǐ pīpíng biérén shì bù lǐmào de xíngwéi.

Criticizing others behind their backs is impolite behavior.