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当下 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
当下dāngxiàimmediatelyHSK 6, unknown, 9 strokes, rank #13234, Hard
当下dāngxiàat onceHSK 6, unknown, 9 strokes, rank #13234, Hard
当下dāngxiàat that momentHSK 6, unknown, 9 strokes, rank #13234, Hard
当下dāngxiàat the momentHSK 6, unknown, 9 strokes, rank #13234, Hard
dāngxià(dang1xia4) T1
  1. 1immediately
  2. 2at once
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March 24, 2026

当下(當下)dāngxià(dang1xia4)

当下 (dāngxià) refers to the immediate present moment, indicating something that is happening right now or without delay. It is commonly used in contexts where immediacy or urgency is emphasized, such as in discussions about decisions or actions that need to take place at this very moment.

Strokes9Frequency#13234DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of the present moment is often tied to mindfulness and the importance of living in the now. This is reflected in traditional practices such as Tai Chi, which emphasize awareness of the present.

Memory Tip

Imagine standing on the edge of a cliff, and someone shouts 'now!' (当). You take a leap (下) immediately. The two parts together, '当' (at this moment) and '下' (down), create the idea of acting in the present without hesitation.

Meanings of 当下

dāngxià(dang1xia4)
1immediately
2at once
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 当下

当下Simplified
當下Traditional
9Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 当下

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Podcast: 当下

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AI Study Notes for 当下

Quick Contrast

现在 (xiànzài) is used for the present time but can refer to a broader timeframe, while 当下 (dāngxià) emphasizes the immediate moment.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 当下 with other temporal expressions like 现在 (xiànzài), which is more general. Use 当下 in urgent contexts or to emphasize the present moment. It is more informal and conversational, so be cautious in formal writing.

HSK Study Tips

Though not an HSK word, understanding 当下 helps with grasping the concept of time in Mandarin. Focus on how it contrasts with past and future terms, and practice using it in sentences that describe immediate actions.

Common Mistakes

Learners might mix up 当下 with 现在 (xiànzài), using it inappropriately, such as saying '我现在去' (I go at the moment) instead of '我当下去' (I go right now). Remember that 当下 emphasizes immediacy more than 现在.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 当下

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Component Characters

当dāngto act as
HSK 46 strokes⺌
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下xiàdown
HSK 13 strokes一
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How to say immediately in Chinese

“immediately” in Chinese is当下dāngxià

当下 (dāngxià) refers to the immediate present moment, indicating something that is happening right now or without delay. It is commonly used in contexts where immediacy or urgency is emphasized, such as in discussions about decisions or actions that need to take place at this very moment.

When to use 当下

Learners often confuse 当下 with other temporal expressions like 现在 (xiànzài), which is more general. Use 当下 in urgent contexts or to emphasize the present moment. It is more informal and conversational, so be cautious in formal writing.

当下 or something close to it

现在 (xiànzài) is used for the present time but can refer to a broader timeframe, while 当下 (dāngxià) emphasizes the immediate moment.

What learners get wrong

Learners might mix up 当下 with 现在 (xiànzài), using it inappropriately, such as saying '我现在去' (I go at the moment) instead of '我当下去' (I go right now). Remember that 当下 emphasizes immediacy more than 现在.

Write 当下

当
下

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about 当下

No, 当下 specifically refers to the present moment, so it cannot be used for future events.

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