xiàmiàn: 下面 - Below, Under, Next, Following

• Keywords: 下面, xiàmiàn, xiamian, Chinese for under, Chinese for below, Chinese for next, following, underneath, what does xiamian mean, learn Chinese location words, HSK 1 Chinese
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 下面 (xiàmiàn), a versatile term that means both “below/under” and “next/following”. This page breaks down its simple characters, explores its use in literal, sequential, and even hierarchical contexts, and provides 10 practical example sentences. Understand the difference between 下面 (xiàmiàn) and similar words to avoid common mistakes and master a cornerstone of Chinese location and time expressions.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): xià miàn
• Part of Speech: Noun (Locative Noun)
• HSK Level: HSK 1
• Concise Definition: It indicates a position that is under or below something, or refers to the next item, step, or person in a sequence.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 下面 (xiàmiàn) as a pointer. It can point downwards in space, like “under the chair,” or it can point forwards in a sequence, like “the next person in line” or “the topic below.” It's one of the first and most useful words you'll learn for describing where things are and what's coming up.

• 下 (xià): This character is a simple pictograph. Imagine a horizontal line representing the ground or a surface. The short vertical line below it indicates the concept of “down,” “under,” or “below.”
• 面 (miàn): This character originally depicted a human face, and it still means “face.” Over time, its meaning expanded to include “surface,” “side,” or “aspect,” as in the face or surface of an object.
• When combined, 下面 (xiàmiàn) literally translates to “the down-surface” or “the under-side,” which perfectly captures its primary meaning of “below” or “under.” From this spatial meaning, it logically extends to mean “what comes below on a list,” hence its meaning of “next” or “following.”

While 下面 (xiàmiàn) is a common functional word, its usage reveals some key aspects of Chinese language and culture. First, Chinese heavily relies on “location words” (方位词, fāngwèicí) like 下面, 上面 (shàngmiàn - above), and 里面 (lǐmiàn - inside). In English, we use prepositions like “on,” “under,” “in.” In Chinese, you typically state the noun first, then the location word: “桌子 下面” (zhuōzi xiàmiàn), literally “table under-side.” This noun-first structure is a fundamental pattern for learners to master. Second, the word carries hierarchical connotations. In a business or organizational setting, 下面 can refer to subordinates or lower-ranking departments. A manager might say, “我问一下下面的意见” (Wǒ wèn yīxià xiàmiàn de yìjiàn), meaning “I'll ask for the opinions of those below me.” This reflects a traditionally top-down view of organizational structure, similar to the English phrase “people under me,” but used more frequently and naturally in Chinese.

下面 (xiàmiàn) is an incredibly common word used in various everyday situations.

• Literal Location: This is its most basic use. It describes the physical position of something being under something else.
  • “My keys are under the sofa.”
• Sequence (Time/Order): This is equally common. It's used in presentations, meetings, conversations, and instructions to mean “next” or “the following.”
  • “Next, we will discuss the second quarter's sales figures.”
• In Text or on a Screen: It's used to direct someone's attention to content that appears later on a page or screen.
  • “Please see the details below.”
• Hierarchy: As mentioned, it can refer to people of a lower rank in an organization. This is neutral in tone and standard in workplace communication.
  • “The task has been assigned to the departments below.”
• Euphemism: Informally, 下面 can be a polite and indirect way to refer to the lower part of the body or one's private parts.
  • A patient might tell a doctor: “我下面有点不舒服” (Wǒ xiàmiàn yǒudiǎn bù shūfu) - “The area below is a bit uncomfortable.”

• Example 1:
  • 猫在桌子下面睡觉。
  • Pinyin: Māo zài zhuōzi xiàmiàn shuìjiào.
  • English: The cat is sleeping under the table.
  • Analysis: This is the most classic, literal use of 下面 to indicate physical location. The structure “在 + Noun + 下面” is essential.
• Example 2:
  • 下面，我们请王经理讲话。
  • Pinyin: Xiàmiàn, wǒmen qǐng Wáng jīnglǐ jiǎnghuà.
  • English: Next, let's invite Manager Wang to speak.
  • Analysis: Here, 下面 is used at the beginning of a sentence to transition to the next item on an agenda. It's extremely common in formal and informal presentations.
• Example 3:
  • 如果你有问题，请看下面的说明。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ nǐ yǒu wèntí, qǐng kàn xiàmiàn de shuōmíng.
  • English: If you have questions, please read the explanation below.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates its use in referring to text or information that follows. `下面的` acts as an adjective modifying `说明` (explanation).
• Example 4:
  • 我住在五楼，他住在我家下面。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zhù zài wǔ lóu, tā zhù zài wǒjiā xiàmiàn.
  • English: I live on the fifth floor, he lives below me.
  • Analysis: This shows 下面 can be used relative to another location (`我家` - my home) to mean “the floor below.”
• Example 5:
  • 这个任务需要下面的团队合作完成。
  • Pinyin: Zhège rènwù xūyào xiàmiàn de tuánduì hézuò wánchéng.
  • English: This task requires the teams below (our subordinates) to complete it collaboratively.
  • Analysis: A clear example of the hierarchical meaning of 下面 in a business context. It's neutral and professional.
• Example 6:
  • 下面会发生什么？
  • Pinyin: Xiàmiàn huì fāshēng shénme?
  • English: What will happen next?
  • Analysis: A simple and common question used when watching a movie, reading a story, or discussing a developing situation.
• Example 7:
  • 请翻到下面一页。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng fān dào xiàmiàn yī yè.
  • English: Please turn to the next page.
  • Analysis: Here `下面` modifies `一页` (one page) to mean “the next one.” This combines the sequential and textual meanings.
• Example 8:
  • 地铁在马路的下面。
  • Pinyin: Dìtiě zài mǎlù de xiàmiàn.
  • English: The subway is under the road.
  • Analysis: Another straightforward example of physical location. Note the use of `的 (de)` here is optional but common. `在马路下面` is also correct.
• Example 9:
  • 他的腿受伤了，下面的部分都肿了。
  • Pinyin: Tā de tuǐ shòushāng le, xiàmiàn de bùfen dōu zhǒng le.
  • English: His leg is injured, the lower part is all swollen.
  • Analysis: This shows how 下面 can be used to refer to a “lower part” of something, in this case, a leg. It's a slightly more nuanced spatial usage.
• Example 10:
  • 点击下面的链接查看更多信息。
  • Pinyin: Diǎnjī xiàmiàn de liànjiē chákàn gèng duō xìnxī.
  • English: Click the link below to view more information.
  • Analysis: A very practical sentence for navigating the web in Chinese.

• 下面 (xiàmiàn) vs. 下边 (xiàbian): For beginners, these are virtually interchangeable. Both mean “below” or “next.” 下边 (xiàbian) can sound slightly more colloquial and is very common in Northern China, but you can use 下面 (xiàmiàn) in all the same situations without any issue.
  • Correct: 猫在桌子下面 (Māo zài zhuōzi xiàmiàn).
  • Correct: 猫在桌子下边 (Māo zài zhuōzi xiàbian).
• 下面 (xiàmiàn) vs. 底下 (dǐxia): 底下 (dǐxia) also means “under,” but often implies “at the very bottom of” or being completely covered. It's often used for spaces like under a bed (`床底下`) or at the bottom of a box. While often interchangeable, 底下 can feel more emphatic about the “bottom-ness.”
  • Common: 他把秘密藏在床底下 (Tā bǎ mìmì cáng zài chuáng dǐxia) - He hid the secret under the bed.
• Common Mistake: Forgetting the “Next” Meaning. Many learners master the “under” meaning but forget its equally important “next” meaning. They might awkwardly say `下一个事情` (xià yī ge shìqing - the next matter) in a presentation when a simple `下面…` (Next…) would be more natural.
• Common Mistake: Omitting 在 (zài). When stating that something *is* located somewhere, you must use `在 (zài)`.
  • Incorrect: 书桌子下面。(Shū zhuōzi xiàmiàn.)
  • Correct: 书在桌子下面。(Shū zài zhuōzi xiàmiàn.) - The book is under the table.

• 上面 (shàngmiàn): The direct antonym of 下面. It means “above,” “on top of,” or “the previous” (e.g., the text above).
• 前面 (qiánmiàn): “In front of,” “ahead.” The opposite of `后面`.
• 后面 (hòumiàn): “Behind,” “in back of.” The opposite of `前面`.
• 里面 (lǐmiàn): “Inside.” The opposite of `外面`.
• 外面 (wàimiàn): “Outside.” The opposite of `里面`.
• 旁边 (pángbiān): “Beside,” “next to.”
• 底下 (dǐxia): A close synonym for the “under” meaning, often implying “at the very bottom of.”
• 下边 (xiàbian): A very close synonym, slightly more colloquial, especially in the north of China.
• 下一个 (xià yī ge): Means “the next one.” It's used for countable items or people, whereas 下面 is used more broadly for the next topic, step, or block of text.
• 以下 (yǐxià): A more formal term for “the following” or “below,” often used in written documents. For example, “请看以下内容” (qǐng kàn yǐxià nèiróng) - “Please see the content below.”