to hum and haw (idiom); to mumble as if hiding sth
HSK 7, i, rank #29045, Hard
吞吞吐吐
tūntūntǔtǔ
to speak and break off, then start again
HSK 7, i, rank #29045, Hard
吞吞吐吐
tūntūntǔtǔ
to hold sth back
HSK 7, i, rank #29045, Hard
tūntūntǔtǔ(tun1tun1tu3tu3) T1
1to hum and haw (idiom); to mumble as if hiding sth
2to speak and break off, then start again
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March 24, 2026
吞吞吐吐tūntūntǔtǔ(tun1tun1tu3tu3)
吞吞吐吐 is an idiom that describes someone who is hesitant or reluctant to speak clearly, often mumbling or breaking off their thoughts. This phrase is commonly used to convey a sense of secrecy or reluctance in communication, indicating that the speaker may be hiding something or is unsure about what to say.
Frequency#29045DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, speaking openly is often valued, but there is also an understanding of the importance of discretion. Using 吞吞吐吐 can reflect societal expectations around modesty and the careful handling of sensitive topics.
Memory Tip
Imagine a turtle (吞) that swallows (吞) its words, only to hesitate and spit them out (吐). The repetitive sounds 'tun' and 'tu' can remind you of a person stammering or hesitating, much like a turtle peeking out and then withdrawing back into its shell.
Meanings of 吞吞吐吐
tūntūntǔtǔ(tun1tun1tu3tu3)
1to hum and haw (idiom); to mumble as if hiding sth
2to speak and break off, then start again
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 吞吞吐吐
吞吞吐吐Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#29045Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 吞吞吐吐
Podcast: 吞吞吐吐
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AI Study Notes for 吞吞吐吐
Quick Contrast
吞吞吐吐 (tūntūntǔtǔ) vs 吞吞 (tūntūn) — 吞吞吐吐 emphasizes hesitation in speech, while 吞吞 suggests a more general mumbling without the same connotation of reluctance.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a turtle (吞) that swallows (吞) its words, only to hesitate and spit them out (吐). The repetitive sounds 'tun' and 'tu' can remind you of a person stammering or hesitating, much like a turtle peeking out and then withdrawing back into its shell.
Usage Notes
This idiom is informal and often used in conversational contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with other similar phrases that indicate straightforward speaking. Common collocations include '吞吞吐吐的态度' (a hesitant attitude) and '吞吞吐吐地说' (to speak hesitantly).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 idiom, 吞吞吐吐 connects to other expressions about communication and hesitation. Focus on its usage in dialogues to understand nuances in expressing uncertainty or reluctance.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, speaking openly is often valued, but there is also an understanding of the importance of discretion. Using 吞吞吐吐 can reflect societal expectations around modesty and the careful handling of sensitive topics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 吞吞吐吐 by applying it to situations where someone is simply thinking or pausing for effect. For example, saying '他很吞吞吐吐' when describing someone who is just thoughtful is incorrect; the correct usage indicates hesitation or reluctance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 吞吞吐吐
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Grammar Patterns of 吞吞吐吐
吞吞吐吐 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 1
Complete the Sentence
由于得不到多少反应, 他的演说____地收了场.
Owing to little response, his speech tailed off to a hesitant end.
Example Sentences for 吞吞吐吐 (1)
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1
由于得不到多少反应, 他的演说吞吞吐吐地收了场.
yóu yú dé bù dào duō shǎo fǎn yīng, , tā de yǎn shuō tūn tūn tǔ tǔ dì shōu le.
Owing to little response, his speech tailed off to a hesitant end.
Cultural Notes for 吞吞吐吐
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, speaking openly is often valued, but there is also an understanding of the importance of discretion. Using 吞吞吐吐 can reflect societal expectations around modesty and the careful handling of sensitive topics.
Frequently Asked Questions about 吞吞吐吐
It suggests that the person might be indecisive, secretive, or uncomfortable discussing certain topics.
No, 吞吞吐吐 is typically used in informal speech and is not appropriate for formal writing.
You might say, '他在谈论这个问题时总是吞吞吐吐的,' meaning 'He always hesitates when discussing this issue.'
