n., v., m.
The lower position; to descend from a higher point. Below, next; to go down, get off, or issue forth; a time or stroke (measure word).
下
Descending, falling from above, or clocking off a shift.
下 represents downward movement: rain falling from clouds (下雨) or stepping down from duty (下班).
Common Usage & Traps
- 下大雨 — pouring heavy rain
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落雨（非方言日常口语中）下雨下雨 is standard Mandarin for raining.
Why is 下 used for both rain (下雨) and leaving work (下班)?
The root metaphor is "descending from above or stepping down from an official post".
Rain drops fall downwards from the sky; workers step down from their active shift rostrum.
Appears in Stories 2 stories
Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.
Read about a work trip to Beijing where a group of colleagues takes a very large airplane. Practice weather words and actions in a simple travel story.
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到北京的时候，北京正在 下 大雨。
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我们 下 飞机的时候是白天，但是天气有一点儿冷。
Follow Dazhong, a busy worker in China, as he finds warmth and kindness at a small noodle shop. Practice everyday words for food, weather, and expressing gratitude.
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一天晚上，外边 下 大雨，天气非常冷。
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