Answer:
A
“上(shàng)” and “下(xià)” are two basic words in the Chinese language. They are a pair of antonyms. Paired with different words, they can assume different meanings.
Let me start by introducing four common usages of these words.
First, they can be used to express the state of some activity at a specified time. “上(shàng)” means “to be in the activity” while “下(xià)” means “to be done with the activity.”
For example, “上班(shàng bān),” go to work; “上课(shàng kè),” go to class. In this case, “下(xià)” replaces “上(shàng)” to express the opposite meaning. For example, “下班(xià bān),” get off work; “下课(xià kè),” finish class.
Second, they can be used to show the direction of movement. “上(shàng)” means “to go from a low place to a high place” while “下(xià)” means “to go from a high place to a low place.”
For example, “上车(shàng chē),” get on a bus or in a car; “上山(shàng shān),” go up the mountain; “上楼(shàng lóu),” climb the stairs. Here, “下(xià)” can replace “上(shàng)” to express the opposite meaning. For example, “下车(xià chē),” get off a bus or out of a car; “下山(xià shān),” go down the mountain; “下楼(xià lóu),” go downstairs.
Third, they can be used to show order. “上(shàng)” means “last” while “下(xià)” means “next.”
For example, “上个月(shàngge yuè),” last month; “上个星期(shàngge xīngqī),” last week; “上次(shàngcì),” last time. In this case, “下(xià)” can replace “上(shàng)” to express the opposite meaning. For example, “下个月(xiàge yuè),” next month; “下个星期(xiàge xīngqī),” next week; “下次(xiàcì),” next time.
Fourth, they can be used to show direction. “上(shàng)” means “the upper position” and “下(xià)” means “the lower position.”
For example, “上边(shàngbian)” means “above” and “下边(xiàbian)” means “below.”
<<Back to “Chinese test: Up and down, not always to be taken literally.”
HSK Test
General Chinese (Beginner Level)
General Chinese (Intermediate Level)