Hello, and welcome to our guide on how to say “sneaky” in Chinese! Learning how to express this word in a foreign language allows you to better understand and communicate subtle nuances. In Mandarin Chinese, there are several ways to convey the meaning of “sneaky,” ranging from formal to informal. We’ll explore these variations and provide you with many tips and examples to help you along the way. Let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Sneaky” in Chinese
If you prefer a more formal approach or find yourself in a professional setting, you can use the following terms to convey the meaning of “sneaky” in Mandarin Chinese:
- 狡诈 (jiǎozhà): This term refers to being cunning, sly, or crafty. It implies a clever and manipulative nature. For example, you could use it to describe someone who always manages to deceive others with their cunning tricks.
- 奸诈 (jiānzhà): This term conveys a similar meaning to “狡诈” but emphasizes deceitfulness and treachery. It is often used to describe someone who is untrustworthy and makes use of cunning strategies to achieve their goals.
- 阴险 (yīnxiǎn): While “阴险” primarily means “treacherous” or “scheming,” it is also commonly used to describe someone as “sneaky.” It portrays the individual as devious and unscrupulous, with hidden agendas and motives.
Informal Ways to Say “Sneaky” in Chinese
When conversing with friends, family, or in informal situations, you might prefer to use more colloquial expressions. Here are a few informal ways to say “sneaky” in Chinese:
- 狡猾 (jiǎohuá): This term is frequently used in everyday conversations to describe someone who is cunning or crafty. It often implies a sense of being sly or tricky. For instance, you could use it to describe a person who always seems to find a way to benefit themselves at the expense of others.
- 耍小聪明 (shuǎ xiǎocōngmíng): This phrase literally translates to “play little cleverness.” It is often employed to depict someone who is being subtly sneaky or trying to outsmart others in a less obvious manner. It highlights the act of being clever while avoiding direct confrontation.
Examples and Tips
To further comprehend the usage of these terms and improve your understanding of how to express “sneaky” in Chinese, here are a few situational examples:
Example 1:
Formal: 他总是用狡诈的手段来达到自己的目的。
Translation: He always achieves his goals through cunning means.
Informal: 他老是搞一些狡猾的把戏。
Translation: He always plays cunning tricks.
Example 2:
Formal: 她的做事方式很奸诈，从不择手段。
Translation: Her way of doing things is very treacherous; she never hesitates to use any means necessary.
Informal: 她做事总是耍小聪明，总想占别人便宜。
Translation: She always tries to be sneaky and take advantage of others.
Remember, the context plays an essential role in determining which term to use. Additionally, intonation and body language can impact the conveyed meaning. It’s advisable to learn and practice common phrases in real-life situations to master the correct usage.
We hope this guide has been insightful and helpful in expanding your vocabulary in Mandarin Chinese. Enjoy exploring the richness of the language and have fun incorporating these new terms into your conversations! Happy learning!
