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下级 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
下级xiàjílow rankingHSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, rank #22418, Very Hard
下级xiàjílow levelHSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, rank #22418, Very Hard
下级xiàjíunderclassHSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, rank #22418, Very Hard
下级xiàjísubordinateHSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, rank #22418, Very Hard
xiàjí(xia4ji2)xia ji T4
  1. 1low ranking
  2. 2low level
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March 24, 2026

下级(下級)xiàjí(xia4ji2)

The term 下级 (xiàjí) refers to a person or group that holds a lower rank or status within a hierarchy. It is commonly used in organizational contexts, such as workplaces or government structures, to describe subordinates or lower-level employees.

Strokes9Frequency#22418DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese workplaces, the concept of hierarchy is significant, and understanding one's position as 下级 is essential for navigating social dynamics. Respect for authority and seniority often shapes interactions between different levels of employees.

Memory tip

Think of 下 (xià), meaning 'down' or 'below,' combined with 级 (jí), which suggests 'level' or 'rank.' Imagine a ladder where the lower rungs represent the 下级, or lower-level positions, helping you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.

Meanings of 下级

xiàjí(xia4ji2)
1low ranking
2low level
Exercise 1 of 3

By ear

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About 下级

下级Simplified
下級Traditional
9Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 下级

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Podcast: 下级

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AI study notes for 下级

Quick Contrast

下属 (xiàshǔ) - use 下级 (xiàjí) when emphasizing rank within a hierarchy, while 下属 (xiàshǔ) focuses more on the relationship of subordination.

Usage Notes

This term is typically used in formal contexts, such as business or military discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with synonyms like 下属 (xiàshǔ), which specifically means 'subordinate' and carries a slightly different nuance. Be careful with tones; 下 is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone) while 级 is pronounced with a rising tone (2nd tone).

HSK Study Tips

As 下级 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is beneficial for students at HSK Level 4 or above who are learning about workplace relations or organizational structures. Focus on related terms like 上级 (shàngjí) for 'superior' to understand the hierarchy better.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 下级 to refer to peers or equals, leading to confusion about hierarchical relationships. Remember, 下级 specifically refers to someone of lower rank, not someone at the same level.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 下级

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Component characters

下xiàdown
HSK 13 strokes一
View full entry
级jílevel
HSK 56 strokes纟
View full entry

How to say low ranking in Chinese

“low ranking” in Chinese is下级xiàjí

The term 下级 (xiàjí) refers to a person or group that holds a lower rank or status within a hierarchy. It is commonly used in organizational contexts, such as workplaces or government structures, to describe subordinates or lower-level employees.

When to use 下级

This term is typically used in formal contexts, such as business or military discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with synonyms like 下属 (xiàshǔ), which specifically means 'subordinate' and carries a slightly different nuance. Be careful with tones; 下 is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone) while 级 is pronounced with a rising tone (2nd tone).

下级 or something close to it

下属 (xiàshǔ) - use 下级 (xiàjí) when emphasizing rank within a hierarchy, while 下属 (xiàshǔ) focuses more on the relationship of subordination.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 下级 to refer to peers or equals, leading to confusion about hierarchical relationships. Remember, 下级 specifically refers to someone of lower rank, not someone at the same level.

Write 下级

下
级

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

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Common confusions with 下级

下级vs下
xià

Similar shape but different meanings.

下级vs级
jí

Similar in shape and sound, both relate to levels.

Exercise 1 of 1

Which one

Which one means “low ranking”?

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Frequently asked questions about 下级

You might say, '他是我的下级' (Tā shì wǒ de xiàjí), meaning 'He is my subordinate.'

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