下边

• Pinyin: xià bian
• Hanzi breakdown: 下 = below/down; 边 = 辶 (movement) + 力 (power) — side, edge

Meaning

Below; underneath; the bottom. Indicates a position lower than a reference point.

A location word used to describe a position beneath or below something. Interchangeable with 下面 in most contexts. Commonly used with 在 to indicate where something is located. Can also mean 'the following' in written or spoken instructions.

Examples

1. 书在桌子下边。 The book is under the table.
2. 猫在椅子下边睡觉。 The cat is sleeping under the chair.
3. 树下边有很多花。 There are many flowers beneath the tree.

Usage Guide

Context: location, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你的鞋在床下边。(Your shoes are under the bed.)
• 请看下边的内容。(Please look at the content below.)

Don't Say

• 在下边桌子的。(Wrong word order — say 在桌子的下边; the reference object comes before the location word)

Origin & History

A compound of 下 (below/down) and 边 (side/edge). Together they form a directional location word meaning 'the lower side' or 'underneath.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal