Meaning:

Literally translated as “feeling like a thief,” this Chinese term, which recently went viral on social media, describes the state of mind some people may find themselves in, akin to that experienced by a thief caught red-handed. This often occurs with introverts and young people lacking confidence, who tend to feel awkward and timid when thrust into the spotlight. For example, such a person may have purchased a stunning dress but worry about the attention they might attract when wearing it; or they might hide the fact that they are diligently working out and dieting to lose weight, fearing ridicule or gossip from others behind their backs. Under the scrutiny of others, these individuals struggle to focus on the task at hand. They are most comfortable doing their own things when unnoticed and undisturbed.

Example:

A: 你是在减肥吗？

Nǐ shì zài jiǎnféi ma？

Are you dieting?

B: 别声张，我是个偷感很重的人。

Bié shēngzhāng， wǒ shì ge tōugǎn hěn zhòng de rén。

Don’t tell others about it. I’m a low-key person.