HSK 2
一下
yīxià
once (quickly/easily)
Structure
Verb + 一下 (+ Object)
How it works
The word '一下' is used after a verb to indicate that an action is brief, quick, or a casual attempt. It often functions like 'a bit' or 'for a moment' in English, making the tone of a request softer and more polite.
Examples
请等我一下。
Qǐng děng wǒ yīxià.
Please wait for me for a moment.
我想看一下那本书。
Wǒ xiǎng kàn yīxià nà běn shū.
I'd like to take a look at that book.
你帮我介绍一下你的朋友。
Nǐ bāng wǒ jièshào yīxià nǐ de péngyǒu.
Help me briefly introduce your friend.
Common mistakes
Do not use '一下' with verbs that naturally take a long time or describe continuous states, such as '住' (to live) or '爱' (to love).
Tip
Similar to repeating a verb (e.g., 看看), using '一下' makes commands sound less bossy and more like suggestions.
More HSK 2 grammar
See 一下 in real Chinese
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