上下 shàngxià the top and bottom of something
the top and bottom of something; the full vertical extent of something; from top to bottom; to go up and down; before and after (as in 上下文 "context"); (used after a quantity) approximately; ... or so; (in a social hierarchy) the high and the low; seniors and juniors (as in 上下和睦 "harmony between superiors and subordinates"); all members of a group
How to remember 上下: 上 above + 下 down = the top and bottom of something.
Characters
How it is used
- Top and bottom / up and down; the full vertical range. 上下打量 (shàngxià dǎliang) size someone up from head to toe.
- After a quantity = 'approximately/or so': 五十岁上下 (wǔshí suì shàngxià) around fifty years old.
- Social sense: 上下级 (shàng-xiàjí) superiors and subordinates; 全国上下 (quánguó shàngxià) the whole nation, high and low.
Example sentences
- 汤姆从吉普车上下来了。 Tāngmǔ cóng jípǔchē shàng xiàlái le.Tom got out of the jeep.
- 汤姆从出租车上下来了。 Tāngmǔ cóng chūzūchē shàng xiàlái le.Tom got out of the taxi.