Definition
漏气 is a separable verb (离合词) with two main uses: literally 'to leak gas/air', and colloquially 'to accidentally reveal something embarrassing' — like slipping up. The 漏 and 气 can split apart for aspect markers, complements, or measure words, e.g., 漏了一次气 ('had a gas leak once'). In the figurative sense, the separation is less common but still possible.
v.o.
to leak gasairor steamto accidentally let slip a secret or embarrassing information
Examples
- 漏气，。Chētāi lòu qì le, xūyào bǔ yíxià.The tire has a leak and needs to be patched.
- ，。Tā shuōhuà bù xiǎoxīn lòu le qì, dàjiā dōu zhīdào le.He accidentally let it slip while talking, and now everyone knows.
- ，。Zhège qìqiú lòu guò yí cì qì, méi fǎ zài yòng le.This balloon has had a leak once; it can't be used anymore.
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