低
dī
In Chinese, the word for "low" is 低 (dī).
The word 低 is used to describe levels, values or positions in space. Examples of appropriate usage include low temperature, low volume or a low ceiling.
Meaning: small in height (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 低 is used for levels and positions, you should use 矮 (ǎi) instead of 低 when specifically describing a person's physical height (short).
How do you pronounce it?
dī
Did you know?
- The term 低调 (dī diào), which uses 低 for 'low' and 调 for 'tone', is the standard way to describe someone who is modest or unassuming.
- The Chinese word 低 is a distant cognate of the Tibetan word མཐིལ (mthil), which means 'bottom' or 'floor'.
- The character 低 contains the radical 亻, which represents a 'person', suggesting the original concept involved a human performing a physical action.
Examples in context
- 利率還是低。Interest rates are still low.This sentence is useful for describing interest rates using 低.Tatoeba #5907492 by verdastelo9604, translation #5134823 by CK
- 汤姆有低血压。Tom has low blood pressure.This sentence is useful for describing blood pressure using 低.Tatoeba #5072420 by musclegirlxyp, translation #1025358 by CK
- 你会讲低地德语吗？Can you speak Low German?This sentence is useful for describing a specific language using 低.Tatoeba #4266660 by notabene, translation #4770630 by garborg
- 他的成绩很低。His grades are very low.
- 价格降得很低。The price has dropped very low.
- 这是一个低级错误。This is a low-level mistake.
- 这是一个低档餐厅，不是很好吃。This is a low-quality restaurant, not very delicious.
- 他的声音听起来很低沉。His voice sounds very deep.
- 低头to lower one's head
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a ceiling in a room.
- 佳怡 Jiayi这里的天花板太低了。Zhèlǐ de tiānhuā bǎn tài dī le.The ceiling here is too low.
- 志强 Zhiqiang是的，我也觉得低。Shì de, wǒ yě juéde dī.Yes, I think it's low too.
- 佳怡 Jiayi小心不要碰到头。Xiǎoxīn bùyào pèng dào tóu.Be careful not to hit your head.
- 志强 Zhiqiang谢谢提醒，佳怡。Xièxiè tíxǐng, Jiāyí.Thanks for the reminder, Jiayi.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 低, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
