上下

shàngxià
noun/adverb HSK 5 #6,782

Meanings

  1. 1 up and down
  2. 2 approximately
  3. 3 superior and subordinate

Examples

Diàntī shàng xià hěn fāngbiàn.
Going up and down by elevator is very convenient.
Zhè běn shū sānbǎi yè shàng xià.
This book is approximately 300 pages.
Gōngsī shàng xià dōu hěn máng.
Everyone in the company, from top to bottom, is very busy.

Tips

usage
When 上下 means 'approximately,' it follows a number: 三十上下 (around 30 years old). When it means 'up and down' or 'superior and subordinate,' context determines.
history
The pairing of 上下 reflects the traditional Chinese emphasis on hierarchy — (superior) and (subordinate) in social relationships.

Stroke Order

shàng
xià