Usage of 以下
'以下' is commonly used to indicate 'less than or equal to' a certain number, age, or quantity. It often appears in formal or written contexts such as rules, instructions, or official documents.
Common contexts
- Age limits: 年龄18岁以下 (age 18 or below)
- Quantity or number limits: 价格100元以下 (price below 100 yuan)
- Introducing lists or content: 以下内容 (the following content)
Collocations and patterns
- 年龄以下: to specify age limits
- 以下内容: to introduce information or text that follows
- 以下人数: to indicate a number of people or less
Notes
'以下' is often paired with numbers or measurable quantities. It contrasts with '以上' (yǐshàng), which means 'above' or 'more than'. When used to introduce text or information, it functions like 'the following'. Avoid confusing it with '之下', which also means 'below' but is more spatial or physical in meaning.