私下 sīxià in private
How to remember 私下: 私 personal + 下 down = in private.
Characters
How it is used
- In private / behind the scenes - 我们私下谈谈 (wǒmen sīxià tántan) let's talk in private; 私下解决 (sīxià jiějué) settle it privately (out of official channels).
- Adverb contrasting with 公开 (openly/publicly); often implies handling something off the record, away from the group or authorities.
Example sentences
- 我们能私下谈谈吗？ Wǒmen néng sīxià tántán ma?Can we talk in private?
- 我能跟你私下谈一分钟吗？ Wǒnéng gēn nǐ sīxià tán yìfēnzhōng ma?Can I talk to you privately for a minute?