HSK 5
方式副词：偷偷
fāng shì fù cí ： tōu tōu
Adverb of manner: 偷偷 (tōutōu)
Explanation
偷偷 (tōutōu) is an adverb (a word that modifies a verb or adjective) of manner, meaning "stealthily, secretly, on the sly" — doing something quietly, without letting others know.
偷偷 (tōutōu) + verb, or 偷偷地 (tōutōu de) + verb. The character 地 (de) is a particle (a function word added to express grammatical meaning, with no independent meaning of its own) placed before the verb to mark the adverbial (the element indicating manner).
When you want to emphasize that an action is done discreetly, secretly (secretly giving a gift, secretly looking, secretly leaving).
Vietnamese learners often forget that 偷偷 goes BEFORE the verb, not after; adding or omitting 地 is fine, but if you use 地 it must come right before the verb, never at the end of the sentence.
Examples
I secretly gave him a gift.
She secretly looked outside through the window.
Practice
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Learn “方式副词：偷偷” effectively
The grammar point “方式副词：偷偷” (Adverb of manner: 偷偷 (tōutōu)) is one of the key structures at HSK 5. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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