下手

xià shǒu

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Verb Common

Definitions

1. to start
2. to put one's hand to
3. to set about
4. the seat to the right of the main guest

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Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

主宾

zhǔ bīn

guest of honor

In seating arrangements, 下手 refers to the seat to the right of the main guest (less honored position), while 主宾 is the main guest (seat of honor).

Related words

2 items

着手

zhuó shǒu

to put one's hand to it

着手 also means 'to set about' or 'to commence', but is slightly more formal, often used in written or business contexts, e.g., 着手准备 (begin preparations).

上座

shàng zuò

seat of honor

上座 is the seat of honor, opposite to 下手 in traditional Chinese dining etiquette.

Synonyms

1 item

动手

dòng shǒu

to set about (a task)

When meaning 'to start doing something' or 'to set about a task', 下手 and 动手 can both be used, e.g., 不知从何处下手/动手 (not know where to start).

Usage notes

Collocations

下手 is often used with 不知从何处 to express not knowing where to start, e.g., 这件事让我不知从何处下手 (I don't know where to start with this matter).

Formality

下手 is neutral in tone but can sound slightly informal when compared to 着手 or 入手 in formal writing.

Example Sentences

1 shown

面对这么多选择，我真是无从下手。

Faced with so many choices, I really don't know where to start.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 下手

先下手为强

xiān xià shǒu wéi qiáng

strike first and gain the upper hand (idiom, martial arts term); Making the first move is an advantage.

打下手

dǎ xià shǒu

to act in a supporting role

无从下手

wú cóng xià shǒu

not know where to start

老鼠拉龟，无从下手

lǎo shǔ lā guī , wú cóng xià shǒu

like mice trying to pull a turtle, nowhere to get a hand grip (idiom)

Child Words of 下手

down

hand

下手