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March 24, 2026
放下()fàngxià(fang4xia4)
放下 (fàngxià) means to lay down or put down something physically or metaphorically. It is often used in contexts where one is encouraged to let go of burdens, whether they be emotional, like worries or grudges, or physical, like objects. This word conveys a sense of release and is commonly used in both everyday conversation and philosophical discussions.
Frequency#963DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of letting go is often emphasized in philosophies like Buddhism, where detachment from desire is seen as a path to peace. Thus, 放下 is not just about physical objects but also a spiritual practice.
Memory Tip
Imagine you have a heavy backpack full of worries. When you '放下' it, you feel lighter and free! The character 放 (fàng) resembles an open hand releasing the weight, while 下 (xià) suggests downward movement, as if lowering the burden. Remembering the sound 'fàng' can also remind you of 'fang' as in 'fang out the worries!'
Meanings of 放下
fàngxià(fang4xia4)
1to lay down
2to put down
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About 放下
放下Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2YCTL3HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 放下
Podcast: 放下
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AI Study Notes for 放下
Quick Contrast
放弃 (fàngqì) — choose 放下 when emphasizing the act of laying down or letting go of something, while 放弃 focuses on giving up or abandoning an endeavor.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine you have a heavy backpack full of worries. When you '放下' it, you feel lighter and free! The character 放 (fàng) resembles an open hand releasing the weight, while 下 (xià) suggests downward movement, as if lowering the burden. Remembering the sound 'fàng' can also remind you of 'fang' as in 'fang out the worries!'
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 放下 with similar phrases that imply holding onto something. It's commonly used in both formal and informal settings, especially in discussions about personal growth. A common collocation is 放下心情 (fàngxià xīnqíng), meaning to let go of emotions.
HSK Study Tips
Though 放下 is not an HSK word, it relates well to HSK Level 3 vocabulary about emotions and actions. Students should focus on the contexts in which it can be used to express letting go, and connect it with other verbs that imply action, such as 拿 (ná) meaning to take.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of letting go is often emphasized in philosophies like Buddhism, where detachment from desire is seen as a path to peace. Thus, 放下 is not just about physical objects but also a spiritual practice.
Common Mistakes
Learners often incorrectly use 放下 when they mean to suggest keeping something, such as saying '我放下我的书' (Wǒ fàngxià wǒ de shū) when they actually mean 'I keep my book.' The correct phrase for keeping is 保留 (bǎoliú).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 放下
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Cultural Notes for 放下
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of letting go is often emphasized in philosophies like Buddhism, where detachment from desire is seen as a path to peace. Thus, 放下 is not just about physical objects but also a spiritual practice.
Frequently Asked Questions about 放下
Yes, 放下 can refer to both putting down objects and letting go of emotional burdens.
You can say, '我需要放下我的担心' (Wǒ xūyào fàngxià wǒ de dānxīn), which means 'I need to let go of my worries.'
放下 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various conversations.
