Meanings of 私下
By ear
Play it, then pick what 私下 means.
About 私下
Podcast: 私下
Podcast: 私下
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 私下
While '私下' is suitable for informal contexts, avoid using it in very formal situations where confidentiality is implied but not explicitly stated. A common mistake is to confuse '私下' with '公开' (gōngkāi, meaning 'public'), which has the opposite meaning.
Although '私下' is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it can relate to other terms involving privacy or secrecy, such as '秘密' (mìmì, meaning 'secret'). Students should focus on recognizing the situational usage of this phrase within dialogues.
Learners often incorrectly use '私下' in contexts where public acknowledgment is required, such as saying '我在私下告诉他' when they mean to share information openly. The correct phrase for sharing publicly would be '我告诉他' (I told him).
Pronunciation of 私下
Drill the tone of 私下 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 私下 to You
Let me explain 私下 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 私下 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 私下?
Learning Lab
Knowing 私下 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say in private in Chinese
“in private” in Chinese is私下
私下 (sīxià) means 'in private' or 'behind closed doors.' It is commonly used to describe actions or conversations that are meant to be kept confidential or are not intended for public knowledge. This term often conveys a sense of secrecy or informality.
When to use 私下
While '私下' is suitable for informal contexts, avoid using it in very formal situations where confidentiality is implied but not explicitly stated. A common mistake is to confuse '私下' with '公开' (gōngkāi, meaning 'public'), which has the opposite meaning.
What learners get wrong
Learners often incorrectly use '私下' in contexts where public acknowledgment is required, such as saying '我在私下告诉他' when they mean to share information openly. The correct phrase for sharing publicly would be '我告诉他' (I told him).
Write 私下
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 私下 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 私下?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 私下
It's best to avoid using '私下' in formal correspondence, as it carries an informal tone. Instead, opt for phrases like '私下讨论' (discussing privately) if necessary.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 私下?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.