以下

• Pinyin: yǐ xià
• Hanzi breakdown: 以 = 'from/by means of'; 下 = a line below a base line, meaning 'below/down'

Meaning

Below; under; the following. Indicates a number, amount, or level at or below a stated point.

The opposite of 以上. Used after a number or standard to mean 'and below' or 'or less.' Common in rules, requirements, age restrictions, and temperatures. Can also mean 'the following' when introducing content in writing.

Examples

1. 十二岁以下的小孩免费。 Children under twelve get in for free.
2. 明天气温在零度以下。 The temperature tomorrow will be below zero.
3. 以下是今天的课程安排。 The following is today's class schedule.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, formal, rules

Tone: informational

Do Say

• 六岁以下免票。(Children under six get in free.)
• 请看以下内容。(Please see the following content.)

Don't Say

• 这个以下很好。(Don't use 以下 as an adjective — it must follow a number or reference point, like 三十度以下.)

Origin & History

Compound of 以 (from/by means of) and 下 (below/down), literally 'from below,' i.e. at or under a given point.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal