下手 (xià shǒu) — to start (doing something), to set about; to put one's hand to (a task), to begin
Definition
下手 (xià shǒu) means to tackle or set about a concrete task — often used when the work is difficult and putting one's hand to it is a commitment. Use 动手 for simply starting to do something, 着手 for beginning a project systematically.
verb
to start (doing something)to set aboutto put one's hand to (a task)to begin
Examples
- 下手。Tā xiān yán jiū le yí xià cái xià shǒu.He studied it a bit before starting.
- 下手。Zhè ge wèn tí hěn nán xià shǒu.This problem is hard to tackle.
- 下手。Wǒ hái méi xiǎng hǎo zěn me xià shǒu.I haven't figured out how to start yet.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.