Definition
不下 (bú xià) is a verb used before a number to mean 'no less than' a certain quantity, emphasizing a minimum. Unlike the adverb 至少 (zhì shǎo, 'at least'), which can modify verbs or adjectives, 不下 attaches directly to numbers. It differs from 不亚于 (bù yà yú), which compares quality or degree rather than quantity.
verb
no less than (a certain quantity)at least
Easily confused
- 上下shàng xiàlook-alike(noun) up and down; top and bottom
Examples
- 不下。Zhège chéngshì de rénkǒu bú xià yì bǎi wàn.This city has a population of no less than one million.
- 不下。Tā měitiān gōngzuò bú xià shí'èr gè xiǎoshí.He works at least twelve hours every day.
- 不下。Zhè cì huódòng bú xià sān qiān rén cānjiā.No less than three thousand people attended this event.
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