Meanings of 吞吞吐吐
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Podcast: 吞吞吐吐
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AI Study Notes for 吞吞吐吐
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.
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).
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 吞吞吐吐
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Idiom Spotlight: 吞吞吐吐
Component Characters
How to say to hum and haw (idiom); to mumble as if hiding sth in Chinese
“to hum and haw (idiom); to mumble as if hiding sth” in Chinese is吞吞吐吐
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.
When to use 吞吞吐吐
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).
吞吞吐吐 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
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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.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions about 吞吞吐吐
It suggests that the person might be indecisive, secretive, or uncomfortable discussing certain topics.
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