noun / adjective HSK 4
underground · subterranean · secret · illegal
Meaning
地下 literally means 'under the ground' and refers to anything located beneath the earth's surface. It can describe physical spaces like basements or subway systems, but is also commonly used metaphorically to describe secret, hidden, or illegal activities.
Usage
Native speakers use 地下 both literally (underground parking, subway) and figuratively (underground organization, black market). When used as an adjective before a noun, it doesn't need 的. Common in urban contexts and in discussions of clandestine activities.
Examples
- 01这栋楼有两层地下停车场。.This building has two levels of underground parking.
- 02警察破获了一个地下赌博组织。.The police broke up an underground gambling organization.
Characters
Common collocations
- 地下室basement
- 地下停车场underground parking garage
- 地下组织underground organization
- 地下工作underground work, clandestine activities
Antonyms
Origin
Compound word combining 地 (earth/ground) and 下 (below), creating the straightforward meaning of 'beneath the ground.'