一下

yíxià

one time; once; a moment; a bit

HSK 1

Character Breakdown

Usage as a Softener

一下 is often used after a verb to soften the tone, making requests or actions sound more casual and polite. It implies a short or quick action.

Common Collocations and Patterns

This word is very common in everyday conversation and helps make commands or requests less abrupt. It is not used to indicate quantity but rather the briefness or casualness of an action.

Avoiding Confusion

Do not confuse 一下 with 一些, which indicates some quantity. 一下 modifies verbs to indicate a short or light action, not an amount.

Example Sentences

你帮我看一下这份文件好吗?

Nǐ bāng wǒ kàn yíxià zhè fèn wénjiàn hǎo ma?

Can you take a quick look at this document for me?

我休息一下,马上回来。

Wǒ xiūxi yíxià, mǎshàng huílái.

I'll rest for a moment and come back right away.

请你等我一下,我马上就好。

Qǐng nǐ děng wǒ yíxià, wǒ mǎshàng jiù hǎo.

Please wait for me a moment, I'll be ready soon.