暗自

暗自 means 'secretly' or 'in secret,' describing actions or thoughts that are kept hidden from others. It emphasizes the private nature of an action, often implying a sense of discretion or hidden intent.

The character 暗 (àn) means 'dark' or 'hidden,' while 自 (zì) means 'self' or 'by oneself.' Together, they convey the idea of doing something privately or in one's own mind without revealing it to others.

暗自 is commonly used in both written and spoken Chinese to describe internal feelings or covert actions. It appears in literature, news, and everyday conversation, often with emotional undertones such as guilt, joy, or surprise. For example, someone might secretly admire another person or secretly plan something without others knowing.