下个月

• Pinyin: xià ge yuè
• Hanzi breakdown: 下 = pictograph of a downward-pointing stroke (below/next); 个 = general classifier; 月 = pictograph of a crescent moon — month

Meaning

Next month. Refers to the month immediately following the current month.

A common time expression used in planning and scheduling. 下个月 is the standard form; 下月 is a slightly more formal or literary alternative. Equivalent expressions: 上个月 (last month), 这个月 (this month).

Examples

1. 下个月我们公司要搬到新的办公室。 Next month our company is moving to a new office.
2. 她计划下个月去北京出差一个星期。 She plans to go to Beijing on a business trip for a week next month.
3. 下个月就是期末考试，我需要好好复习。 The end-of-term exams are next month, so I need to revise properly.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, planning

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 下个月我们有一个重要的会议。(We have an important meeting next month.)
• 你下个月有空吗？我们一起去旅行吧。(Are you free next month? Let's travel together.)

Don't Say

• 把下个月和下周或明年混用。(Don't mix up 下个月 with 下周 (next week) or 明年 (next year) — each refers to a different time unit.)

Origin & History

A time phrase composed of 下 (next/below), 个 (general classifier), and 月 (month), literally 'the next month unit.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal