adjective / verb HSK 4
low · inferior · to lower · to hang (one's head)
Meaning
低下 describes something that is low in position, quality, or status. As an adjective, it indicates inferiority or poor quality. As a verb, it means to physically lower something, especially one's head in shame, respect, or contemplation.
Usage
Most commonly used as an adjective to describe poor quality, low status, or inferior conditions. The verb usage 低下头 (to lower one's head) is a frequent collocation. The adjective form often carries a negative connotation when describing quality or status.
Examples
- 01他羞愧地低下了头。.He lowered his head in shame.
- 02这个地区的教育水平比较低下。.The educational level in this area is relatively low.
Characters
Common collocations
- 低下头to lower one's head, to bow one's head
- 素质低下low quality, poor character
- 效率低下low efficiency
- 地位低下low status
Antonyms
Origin
Combination of 低 (low) and 下 (down), reinforcing the concept of lowness both literally and figuratively.