暗地里

• Pinyin: àn dì lǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 暗 = 日 (sun) + 音 (sound), meaning dark; 地 = manner marker; 里 = inside

Meaning

Secretly; in private; behind the scenes.

Describes actions done covertly, without others' knowledge. Can be neutral (surprise preparations) or negative (scheming). Emphasizes concealment from public view.

Examples

1. 他表面上支持你，暗地里却在说你坏话。 He supports you on the surface, but secretly talks behind your back.
2. 她暗地里一直在帮我们准备惊喜派对。 She has been secretly helping us prepare a surprise party.
3. 竞争对手暗地里挖走了我们好几个客户。 Our competitors secretly poached several of our clients.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, observation

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 他暗地里做了很多努力。(He made a lot of effort behind the scenes.)
• 有些人暗地里嫉妒你。(Some people secretly envy you.)

Don't Say

• 说'暗地里地做事' (Don't add 地 after 暗地里 — it already functions as an adverb)

Origin & History

暗 (dark/secret) + 地 (manner particle) + 里 (inside). Together: in the dark/secretly.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal