noun HSK 5
Traditional 屬下
subordinate · underling · one's staff
Meaning
属下 refers to people who work under someone's authority or command in a hierarchical organization. It's commonly used in formal, military, or organizational contexts to describe employees, staff members, or followers who report to a superior.
Usage
This is a formal term typically used in workplace, military, or official contexts. It's often used when discussing organizational hierarchy or reporting relationships. In modern casual conversation, alternatives like 下属 are equally common, though 属下 carries a slightly more traditional or literary tone.
Examples
- 01他对属下很严格，但也很关心他们的成长。, .He is very strict with his subordinates, but also cares a lot about their growth.
- 02作为经理，她总是耐心地听取属下的意见。, .As a manager, she always patiently listens to her subordinates' opinions.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个属下
- 名三名属下
Common collocations
- 我的属下my subordinates
- 管理属下to manage subordinates
- 属下人员subordinate staff
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 属 (to belong to) and 下 (below), literally meaning 'those who belong below,' creating a clear hierarchical relationship between superior and subordinate.