(在)…下
HSK 4- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure (在)…下 is used to express that an action occurs under a certain condition, circumstance, or influence.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The structure (在)…下 is used to introduce the background, condition, or premise for an action. The noun preceding 下 is typically an abstract, two-syllable noun, such as 帮助 (help), 努力 (effort), 影响 (influence), or 情况 (situation).
The initial 在 may be omitted, especially in formal written language.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 在老师的帮助下，我的中文进步了。繁: 在老師的幫助下，我的中文進步了。Zài lǎoshī de bāngzhù xià, wǒ de Zhōngwén jìnbù le.
With the teacher's help, my Chinese has improved.
- 在大家的努力下，我们成功了。繁: 在大家的努力下，我們成功了。Zài dàjiā de nǔlì xià, wǒmen chénggōng le.
Thanks to everyone's effort, we succeeded.
- 在这种情况下，你最好别出门。繁: 在這種情況下，你最好別出門。Zài zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng xià, nǐ zuìhǎo bié chūmén.
In this situation, you'd better not go out.
- 在他的影响下，我也爱上了音乐。繁: 在他的影響下，我也愛上了音樂。Zài tā de yǐngxiǎng xià, wǒ yě ài shàng le yīnyuè.
Under his influence, I also fell in love with music.
- 在父母的支持下，他出国留学了。繁: 在父母的支持下，他出國留學了。Zài fùmǔ de zhīchí xià, tā chūguó liúxué le.
With the support of his parents, he went abroad to study.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我在树下看书。Correct:在老师的帮助下，我进步了。
This structure indicates abstract condition, not the position "under" a specific object. The incorrect sentence simply means "I read a book under the tree trunk."
- Wrong:在努力下，他成功了。Correct:在他的努力下，他成功了。
The noun before `下` must be clearly specified, for example "AI 的努力下" rather than a vague general noun.