这一下 (zhè yí xià) — this time (with emphasis on the impact or consequence of the event); this instance (often implying a sudden or significant turn of events)

Definition

A deictic phrase that singles out this one moment or turn, often after an unexpected change. The whole phrase is the unit — don't split it; it normally takes the comma pause 这下，…/这一下，… to set up the consequence.

noun
this time (with emphasis on the impact or consequence of the event)this instance (often implying a sudden or significant turn of events)

Examples

  • 这一下，。
    zhè yí xià, Tā kě zhēn de shēng qì le.
    This time, he really got angry.
  • 这一下，。
    zhè yí xià, Wǒ men dé chóng xīn kāi shǐ.
    This time, we have to start over.
  • 这一下，。
    zhè yí xià, Wèn tí biàn de gèng fù zá le.
    This time, the problem became even more complicated.

Origin

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 這; 这 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
辶Written in full as辵chuòwalk
Sound part声符shēngfú
言
言yán這zhè
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

In the traditional form 這, 辶 (walk) combines with 言 for the sound. The character first meant “to meet” and was later used for “this”.

Open 这 →

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

一 is drawn as one horizontal stroke, marking the number one.

Open 一 →

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

下 is drawn as a short horizontal line below a long curved line.

Open 下 →

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