有两下子

有兩下子

yǒuliǎngxiàzi

phrase HSK 7

Meanings

1 to have real skill
2 to know one's stuff
3 to be quite capable

Characters

two; a couple of

a stroke; a move

Literally 'has a couple of moves' — has some real skill

Examples

这个厨师真有两下子！

Zhège chúshī zhēn yǒu liǎng xiàzi!

This chef really knows his stuff!

别小看他，他可是有两下子的。

Bié xiǎokàn tā, tā kěshì yǒu liǎng xiàzi de.

Don't underestimate him — he's got real skill.

Tips

usage

有两下子 is a colloquial expression of respect or surprise at someone's ability. It's casual and complimentary. The negative form 没两下子 means 'not very skilled.'

register

This is an informal, spoken expression. Avoid in formal writing.

Stroke Order

有 yǒu

两 liǎng

下 xià

子 zǐ