am3 dei6暗地
Jyutpingam3 dei6
Yaleam deih
Definition
Secretly, privately, or behind closed doors; out of public view.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Often used to describe actions that are hidden from public view or done without others knowing. It carries a sense of secrecy or subtlety that distinguishes it from simply doing something quietly. While it can be used alone, adding 裏 or 面 at the end is very common in spoken Cantonese to make the flow more natural.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 偷偷, which implies a more mischievous or sneaky act of hiding. 暗地 is more about the state of being behind the scenes or not publicly visible, rather than the act of sneaking around.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
