Definition
手下 is a position word (localizer) that literally means 'under the hand'. It is most commonly used to mean 'under someone's command or leadership' (e.g., 在他的手下工作 'work under him'), or as a noun referring to the people who work under a leader ('subordinates'). It can also idiomatically refer to the financial resources one has at the moment, similar to 'on hand' or 'at one's disposal'. Context determines which sense is intended.
p.w.
(position word) under the command or leadership of someone(idiomatic) financial resources currently available
noun
subordinatespeople working under one's authority
Examples
- 手下。Hěn duō rén zài tā shǒu xià gōngzuò le hǎo jǐ nián.Many people have worked under him for several years.
- 手下。Tā de shǒu xià gè gè dōu hěn nénggàn.Every one of his subordinates is very capable.
- 手下。Wǒ shǒu xià de qián bú gòu mǎi zhèyàng guìzhòng de dōngxi.I don't have enough money on hand to buy something this expensive.
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