Manner Adverb: 偷偷
方式副词：偷偷
Use 偷偷 to describe actions done secretly, stealthily, or without others knowing
偷偷 is placed before the verb to indicate the action is performed secretly or stealthily. The optional 地 (de) can be added for a more literary or descriptive feel.
偷偷 comes from 偷 (to steal), but as an adverb it does not imply theft — it means doing something without others noticing. It can describe innocent actions (sneaking a gift) or mischievous ones (secretly watching).
Lesson Targets
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Podcast: Manner Adverb: 偷偷 (方式副词：偷偷)
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Understanding 方式副词：偷偷
Every language needs a way to say "secretly" or "on the sly," and in Chinese, 偷偷 is your go-to word. It is a vivid manner adverb that paints a picture of someone doing something behind others' backs or without being noticed. While its root character 偷 means "to steal," the adverb 偷偷 does not carry a criminal connotation. A child might 偷偷吃糖 (sneak candy), a friend might 偷偷准备生日派对 (secretly prepare a birthday party), or someone might 偷偷地哭 (cry secretly). The tone can be playful, tender, or serious depending on context. You can add 地 after it for a more descriptive, literary feel, especially in written Chinese. This is one of those expressive words that immediately makes your storytelling more vivid and engaging.
Key Points
- 偷偷 (tōutōu) = "secretly / stealthily / on the sly" — placed before the verb.
- 偷偷地 adds 地 for a more descriptive, literary feel.
- Does not imply criminal behavior — can describe innocent or playful secrecy.
- Often used in storytelling to create suspense or humor.
- Common collocations: 偷偷看, 偷偷笑, 偷偷哭, 偷偷走, 偷偷送.
- The reduplication of 偷 makes it an adverb; single 偷 is a verb meaning "to steal."
In Chinese stories and daily life, 偷偷 often appears in warm, human contexts — a mother who 偷偷地为孩子准备礼物 (secretly prepares a gift for her child) or a student who 偷偷看喜欢的人 (sneaks a peek at their crush). It captures the universal human experience of doing things when no one is watching.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
我偷偷送给他一件礼物。
I secretly gave him a gift.
她偷偷地从窗户向外看。
She secretly peeked outside through the window.
小孩儿偷偷吃了一块巧克力。
The child secretly ate a piece of chocolate.
他偷偷地离开了会议室。
He quietly slipped out of the meeting room.
她偷偷擦了擦眼泪。
She secretly wiped away her tears.
我偷偷看了一眼他的手机。
I sneaked a glance at his phone.
同学们偷偷给老师准备了一个惊喜。
The students secretly prepared a surprise for the teacher.
Common Mistakes
偷偷 is an adverb — it modifies a verb but cannot replace one. You need a verb after it (拿, 看, 走, etc.). If you mean "stole," use the verb 偷.
As an adverb, 偷偷 goes after the subject and before the verb. The word order is: Subject + 偷偷 + Verb.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Practice telling stories with 偷偷 — it instantly makes narratives more vivid and engaging.
Remember: 偷偷 (adverb, secretly) needs a verb after it. 偷 (verb, to steal) is the action itself.
Common story patterns: 偷偷看 (sneak a look), 偷偷笑 (giggle secretly), 偷偷哭 (cry in private), 偷偷走 (slip away).
Adding 地 (偷偷地) sounds more literary — great for written compositions and storytelling.
Homework
Write a short story (6-8 sentences) about a surprise party or a secret plan. Use 偷偷 or 偷偷地 at least three times to describe the secret actions characters take.