下面

• Pinyin: xià miàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 下 = pictograph showing a line below a reference point, meaning below; 面 = pictograph of a face, extended to mean side or surface

Meaning

Below; underneath; the following. Indicates a position below something, or introduces the next item in a sequence.

Used both for physical position (under the table, below the picture) and for sequential order (the following content, the next speaker). In formal contexts such as meetings or presentations, 下面 often introduces the next topic or speaker. Contrasts with 上面 (above/the above).

Examples

1. 书在桌子下面，你看到了吗？ The book is under the table. Did you see it?
2. 下面我来介绍今天的活动安排。 Next, let me introduce today's activity schedule.
3. 山下面有一个很小的村庄。 Below the mountain there is a very small village.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, presentations, directions

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 猫躲在沙发下面。(The cat is hiding under the sofa.)
• 下面请大家看一段视频。(Next, please everyone watch a video.)

Don't Say

• 在下面的楼。(Don't say 下面的楼 for 'the floor below' — say 楼下 instead. 下面 is not used this way with 楼.)

Origin & History

下 means 'below' or 'under' and 面 means 'face' or 'side'. Together they indicate the underside or the part that follows.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal