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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'up and down' with 上下 (shàngxià)

    Direction & Movement
    Location & Position

    Explanation

    上下 (shàngxià) is a compound word meaning "up and down" or "above and below." It can function as a noun, adverb, or adjective to describe vertical orientation, approximate range, or hierarchical relationships.

    Examples

    • 电梯上下运行得很快。

      Diàntī shàngxià yùnxíng de hěn kuài.

      The elevator goes up and down very quickly.

    • 这个孩子大概十岁上下。

      Zhège háizi dàgài shí suì shàngxià.

      This child is about ten years old.

    • 她紧张地上下打量着面前的陌生人。

      Tā jǐnzhāng de shàngxià dǎliang zhe miànqián de mòshēngrén.

      She nervously looked the stranger up and down.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'up and down' with 上下 (shàngxià) | Chinese Grammar