ChineseGrammarWiki/MD/A2/73.mw

{{Grammar Box}} 

After briefly reading this article, you will know how to use 一下 (yīxià) to express a brief action!

'''Note:''' The pinyin for 一下 is written "yīxià" but pronounced "yíxià" due to a [http://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/pronunciation/Tone_change_rules tone change rule].

== Structure ==

To express that a verb is carried out briefly or "a little bit," you can add 一下 (yīxià) after it. Sometimes 一下 (yīxià) can soften the tone. 

<div class="jiegou">

Subj. + Verb + 一下 + Obj.

</div>

Often, adding 一下 (yīxià) just makes the Chinese feel more natural.  This is not something you can get a feel for quickly.  You'll want to observe how native speakers use 一下 (yīxià)  over a long period of time to really get used to how it is used.

== Examples ==

<div class="liju">

* 请 你 等 <em>一下</em>。<span class="expl">You get the feeling that it shouldn't be a long wait.</span><span class="pinyin">Qǐng nǐ děng <em>yīxià</em>.</span><span class="trans">Please wait a little bit.</span>
* 你 看 <em>一下</em>。<span class="expl">It should be quick.</span><span class="pinyin">Nǐ kàn <em>yīxià</em>.</span><span class="trans">Take a look.</span>
* 试 <em>一下</em> 吧。<span class="expl">How long can trying it take? </span><span class="pinyin">Shì <em>yīxià</em> ba.</span><span class="trans">Try it.</span>
* 我 要 想 <em>一下</em>。<span class="expl">You're supposed to believe that I won't need to think about it long.</span><span class="pinyin">Wǒ yào xiǎng <em>yīxià</em>.</span><span class="trans">I want to think a little.</span>
* 开 <em>一下</em> 门 吧 。 <span class="expl">How long can it take to open the door?</span><span class="pinyin">Kāi <em>yīxià</em> mén ba.</span><span class="trans">Please open the door.</span>
* 请 你 说 <em>一下</em> 为什么。<span class="expl">I feel it should be a quick explanation.</span><span class="pinyin">Qǐng nǐ shuō <em>yīxià</em> wèishénme.</span><span class="trans">Please say why.</span>
* 不要 生气 了，笑 <em>一下</em>！<span class="expl pdf-simple-expl">Just one quick laugh!</span><span class="pinyin">Bùyào shēngqì le, xiào <em>yīxià</em>! </span><span class="trans">Don't be mad, laugh! </span>
* 宝宝，亲 <em>一下</em> 爸爸。<span class="expl">If a baby's kiss isn't quick, it's weird for everyone.</span><span class="pinyin">Bǎobao, qīn <em>yīxià</em> bàba.</span><span class="trans">Baby, give your dad a kiss.</span>
* 你 可以 来 <em>一下</em> 我 的 办公室 吗？<span class="expl pdf-simple-expl">Just come real quick.</span><span class="pinyin">Nǐ kěyǐ lái <em>yīxià</em> wǒ de bàngōngshì ma? </span><span class="trans">Could you please come to my office? </span>
* 你 能 介绍 <em>一下</em> 自己 吗 ？ <span class="expl">Not your life story, just a brief self-introduction.</span><span class="pinyin">Nǐ néng jièshào <em>yīxià</em> zìjǐ ma? </span><span class="trans">Could you introduce yourself briefly? </span>

</div>

==See also==

*[[Verb reduplication with yi]]
*[[Verb reduplication]]

== Sources and further reading ==

* [[Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed)]] (p. 126) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0887276385/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0887276385 →buy]
*[[40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册）]] (p. 206)[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FTL8D8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001FTL8D8&linkCode=as2&tag=allset-20 →buy] 

[[Category:A2 grammar points]]
[[Category:Verbs]]
{{Basic Grammar|一下|A2|Verb + 一下|你 <em>看 一下</em> 。|grammar point|ASGWCESP}}
{{Similar|Verb reduplication with yi}}
{{Similar|Verb reduplication}}  
{{Used for|Expressing duration}}
{{Used for|Decreasing formality}}
{{Used for|Describing actions}}
{{POS|Verbs}}
{{Subprop|Verb phrases}}