Definition
打下手 (dǎ xià shǒu) is a colloquial phrase meaning 'to assist in a supporting role', often in hands-on tasks like cooking or manual work. Unlike the general 帮/帮助 (bāng/bāngzhù 'to help'), it specifically implies being the helper or second fiddle to a main person (e.g., a master chef). It is often used with 给 (gěi) and can be split (e.g., 打了个下手).
phrase
to assistto play a supporting roleto play second fiddle
Examples
- ，。Tā gāng lái de shíhou, zhǐ gěi shīfu dǎ le ge xiàshǒu.When he first arrived, he only helped the master out a bit.
- 打下手。Wǒ bù xǐhuan yìzhí gěi rénjia dǎ xià shǒu.I don't like always playing a supporting role for others.
- ，打下手，。Zài gōngsī lǐ, tā zǒng shì gěi biéren dǎ xià shǒu, méi jīhuì dāng zhǔjué.At the company, he always assists others and never gets a chance to be the lead.
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