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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to the world with 天下 (tiānxià)

    Location & Position
    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    天下 + Predicate

    Explanation

    天下 (tiānxià) literally means "under heaven" and is a classical Chinese term for "the world" or "all under heaven." It carries a grand, literary tone and is often used in proverbs and formal expressions. For example, 天下无敌 means "unrivaled in the world."

    Examples

    • 天下没有免费的午餐，什么都要靠自己努力。

      tiānxià méiyǒu miǎnfèi de wǔcān, shénme dōu yào kào zìjǐ nǔlì.

      There's no free lunch in the world; everything depends on your own effort.

    • 他年轻时立志要走遍天下。

      tā niánqīng shí lìzhì yào zǒu biàn tiānxià.

      When he was young, he aspired to travel the whole world.

    • 这道菜号称天下第一鲜，你一定要尝尝。

      zhè dào cài hàochēng tiānxià dì yī xiān, nǐ yídìng yào chángchang.

      This dish is reputed to be the most delicious under heaven; you must try it.

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    Referring to the world with 天下 (tiānxià) | Chinese Grammar