下 (xià)

down; downwards; below; lower; later; next (week etc); second (of two

Etymology

Originally a small line or dot below a longer line, indicating "down". The vertical line was added to distinguish the character from 二 (two). Opposite of 上.

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》:“丅,底也。指事。下,篆文丅。”

Example sentences

  1. 下雨了。 — It is raining.
  2. 在下雨。 — It is raining.
  3. 下雪了。 — It's snowing.
  4. 来一下! — Come here!
  5. 下午好。 — Good afternoon.

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