What does 一下 mean in Chinese?

一下 (yī xià) means "(used after a verb) give it a go; to do (sth for a bit to give it a try); one time; once; in a while; all of a sudden; all at once" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 1.

How do you pronounce 一下?

一下 is pronounced "yī xià" in Mandarin Chinese. It is made up of 2 syllables.

What HSK level is 一下?

一下 is an HSK 1 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 2 on the old exam, HSK 1 on the new one.

What characters make up 一下?

一下 is made up of the characters 一, 下. Each character has its own meaning and can appear in other words.

How do you write 一下?

You can practice writing 一下 using our stroke order tool.

一下 (yī xià), (used after a verb) give it a go

一下

yī xià

(used after a verb) give it a go; to do (sth for a bit to give it a try); one time; once

HSK 1 Was HSK 2verb

Characters in This Word

一下

Definitions

(verb) (used after a verb) give it a go
to do (sth for a bit to give it a try)
one time
once
in a while
all of a sudden
all at once

Example Sentences

请等一下。

Qǐng děng yīxià

Please wait a moment

Related Words

加(jiā)· to add

→

下来(xià lai)· to come down

→

一下子(yī xià zi)· in a short while

→

一触即溃(yī chù jí kuì)· to collapse on the first encounter

→

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 1
HSK 2.0: HSK 2
HSK Lord study list: Not on a list

一下: HSK 2 on the old exam, HSK 1 on the new one. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 1 exam

Studying for HSK 1? Keep 一下 with the rest of your level.

HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each word comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.

Start studying free The words new HSK 1 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.