In 15 Seconds
- Use it to lower levels, prices, or abstract standards.
- Follow the verb-object pattern: 降低 + the thing being reduced.
- Avoid using it for physical height or slowing down vehicles.
Meaning
Think of this as a 'volume knob' for life. It describes the act of bringing down the level, intensity, or amount of something, like lowering prices or reducing stress.
Key Examples
3 of 6Negotiating at a market
老板，能不能降低一点价格？
Boss, can you lower the price a little?
Discussing work expenses
我们需要降低公司的成本。
We need to reduce the company's costs.
Giving life advice to a stressed friend
你应该降低对自己的要求。
You should lower the demands you place on yourself.
Cultural Background
Negotiating prices often involves asking to 'lower' (降低) the price.
Think 'Level'
If it has a level, use 降低.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to lower levels, prices, or abstract standards.
- Follow the verb-object pattern: 降低 + the thing being reduced.
- Avoid using it for physical height or slowing down vehicles.
What It Means
降低 is your go-to word for 'making things less.' It is incredibly versatile. You can use it for numbers, feelings, or standards. It feels active and intentional. It is like watching a thermometer drop on a cold day.
How To Use It
You usually put the thing you are reducing right after the word. Want to lower the price? Say 降低价格. Want to reduce the noise? Say 降低噪音. It is a simple verb-object structure. It works perfectly in both speech and writing. You will sound smart but not overly stiff.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to improve a situation by reducing a negative. Use it at work for 降低成本 (reducing costs). Use it with friends when discussing 降低要求 (lowering expectations). It is great for health talk too. Think about 降低血压 (lowering blood pressure) or 降低风险 (reducing risk).
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for physical height of people. You cannot 'reduce' a person's height with this word. Use 变矮 for that. Also, do not use it for 'slowing down' a car. For speed, 减速 is much more natural. It is about levels and amounts, not physical shrinking or braking.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, balance is everything. 降低 often appears in the context of harmony. Reducing waste or lowering one's ego is seen as virtuous. In the modern fast-paced city life, you will hear it everywhere. Everyone is trying to 降低压力 (reduce stress) these days. It is a word of optimization.
Common Variations
You might hear 减少 which also means reduce. But 减少 is usually for countable things like people or apples. 降低 is better for abstract levels or standards. If you want to sound very formal, you might see 削减. For a quick, casual drop, some just use 降.
Usage Notes
Very safe to use in all registers. Just remember it's for 'levels' and 'scales' rather than physical objects or counts.
Think 'Level'
If it has a level, use 降低.
Examples
6老板，能不能降低一点价格？
Boss, can you lower the price a little?
A very common way to haggle politely.
我们需要降低公司的成本。
We need to reduce the company's costs.
Standard professional usage for business efficiency.
你应该降低对自己的要求。
You should lower the demands you place on yourself.
Used here to mean 'lower your expectations' for mental health.
请降低你的音量，太吵了！
Please lower your volume, it's too noisy!
Direct but grammatically correct request.
为了脱单，我不得不降低了择偶标准。
To get out of being single, I had to lower my dating standards.
Self-deprecating humor using 'standards'.
晚上的温度会降低很多。
The temperature will drop a lot at night.
Perfect for describing natural changes in levels.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct verb.
请______你的音量。
For volume, we use 'lower' (降低).
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises请______你的音量。
For volume, we use 'lower' (降低).
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, use 减肥.
Related Phrases
减少
synonymReduce quantity
