Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
低于 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
低于dīyúto be lower thanHSK 4, unknown, 10 strokes, rank #10306, Medium
dīyú(di1yu2) T1
  1. 1to be lower than
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

低于dīyú(di1yu2)

The phrase 低于 (dī yú) means 'to be lower than' in a comparative sense. It is commonly used in contexts such as measurements, prices, or levels to indicate that one value is less than another. This term is often found in discussions related to economics, statistics, or any scenario where comparisons are made.

Strokes10Frequency#10306DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, discussions of comparisons often relate to social status or economic conditions, making the usage of words like 低于 relevant in business and social discussions. It reflects the importance of understanding one's position relative to others.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'D' for 'down' in 低 (dī) and 'Y' for 'Yonder' in 于 (yú). Picture a graph where one line dips down below another, illustrating that one value is lower than the other. This visual aids in remembering both the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 低于

dīyú(di1yu2)
1to be lower than
Exercise 1 of 3

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 低于

低于Simplified
10Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 低于

JasonAmy

Podcast: 低于

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 低于

Quick Contrast

低于 (dī yú) vs 小于 (xiǎo yú): Use 低于 for comparisons involving levels or amounts that are lower, while 小于 is specifically used for numerical values that are less than another.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone; 低 (dī) has a first tone, while 于 (yú) has a second tone. It is often used in formal contexts, such as reports or academic writing. Common collocations include 低于预期 (dī yú yù qī) meaning 'lower than expected.'

HSK Study Tips

While 低于 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it incorporates the character 低 (dī), which is level 2 vocabulary. Students should focus on recognizing comparative structures and similar phrases like 高于 (gāo yú, 'higher than') to enhance understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse it with 低 (dī) alone, forgetting the comparative context. For example, saying '这个价格低' (zhè ge jià gé dī) means 'This price is low' but does not indicate a comparison. Use '低于' for comparisons instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 低于

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 低于 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

低dīlow
HSK 47 strokes亻
View full entry
于yúto go
HSK 63 strokes二
View full entry

How to say to be lower than in Chinese

“to be lower than” in Chinese is低于dīyú

The phrase 低于 (dī yú) means 'to be lower than' in a comparative sense. It is commonly used in contexts such as measurements, prices, or levels to indicate that one value is less than another. This term is often found in discussions related to economics, statistics, or any scenario where comparisons are made.

When to use 低于

Be cautious with the tone; 低 (dī) has a first tone, while 于 (yú) has a second tone. It is often used in formal contexts, such as reports or academic writing. Common collocations include 低于预期 (dī yú yù qī) meaning 'lower than expected.'

低于 or something close to it

低于 (dī yú) vs 小于 (xiǎo yú): Use 低于 for comparisons involving levels or amounts that are lower, while 小于 is specifically used for numerical values that are less than another.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse it with 低 (dī) alone, forgetting the comparative context. For example, saying '这个价格低' (zhè ge jià gé dī) means 'This price is low' but does not indicate a comparison. Use '低于' for comparisons instead.

Write 低于

低
于

Practice writing 低于 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Common Confusions with 低于

低于vs于
yú

'于' is often confused due to its use in prepositional phrases.

低于vs低
dī

Similar sound and shape, but '低' means 'low' while '于' is a preposition.

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "to be lower than"?

or

Usage Notes for 低于

Usage with ComparativesGrammar Tip

The phrase '低于' is often used in comparative structures to indicate something is lower than another.

1

这个价格低于市场价。

This price is lower than the market price.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill in the Blank

这个价格____市场价。

This price is lower than the market price.

Cultural Notes for 低于

💡Did you know?

在汉字中,‘低’字的下方有一个‘矢’字根,代表箭头,寓意着向下的方向,这与其意义相符。

📜Proverb

‘山外有山,人外有人。’这句成语提醒我们,任何事物都有比它更低的层次,反映了谦逊的价值。

Frequently Asked Questions about 低于

Yes, 低于 can be used in both formal and informal writing. It is commonly found in academic, business, and everyday contexts when making comparisons or discussing measurements. Just ensure that the context is appropriate for its use.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 低于?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.