天下

• Pinyin: tiān xià
• Hanzi breakdown: 天 = heaven; 下 = under — all under heaven, the world

Meaning

The world; all under heaven; the realm. Everything beneath the sky, often implying a unified domain.

A classical term with deep historical resonance. Used in set phrases: 天下第一 (number one in the world), 打天下 (to conquer/establish a realm), 天下太平 (peace throughout the land), 天下大乱 (chaos everywhere). Historically referred to the Chinese empire or civilized world. Still common in modern idioms and literary expression.

Examples

1. 古代皇帝认为自己是天下的主宰者。 Ancient emperors believed they were the masters of all under heaven.
2. 天下没有不散的宴席，朋友们终有一别。 All good things must come to an end — friends will eventually part.
3. 这位企业家白手起家，打下了一片天下。 This entrepreneur started from nothing and built his own business empire.

Usage Guide

Context: historical, idioms, formal writing

Tone: grand

Do Say

• 天下兴亡，匹夫有责。(Every citizen bears responsibility for the rise and fall of the nation.)
• 他的厨艺堪称天下第一。(His culinary skills can be called the best in the world.)

Don't Say

• 日常口语中'全世界'比'天下'更自然 (In casual speech, 全世界 is more natural than 天下)

Origin & History

Compound of 天 (heaven, sky) + 下 (under, below). An ancient concept referring to all land under heaven — the known world or realm under the emperor's rule.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal