In 15 Seconds
- Used to signal you are exiting at the next stop.
- Essential for navigating crowded buses and subways.
- Short, punchy, and very common in daily life.
Meaning
This is the go-to phrase for telling someone you are getting off at the next stop on a bus or train. It is short, efficient, and gets the job done without any fuss.
Key Examples
3 of 6On a crowded subway
不好意思，我下一站下。
Excuse me, I'm getting off at the next stop.
Texting a friend waiting at the station
快到了，我下一站下！
Almost there, I'm getting off at the next stop!
A bus driver asking if anyone is getting off
师傅，下一站下。
Driver, [I'm] getting off at the next stop.
Cultural Background
In Beijing or Shanghai, people are very direct on public transport. People might add '不好意思' (excuse me) to be more polite.
Be loud
When the bus is noisy, say it clearly.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to signal you are exiting at the next stop.
- Essential for navigating crowded buses and subways.
- Short, punchy, and very common in daily life.
What It Means
下一站下 is the ultimate commuter's shortcut. It literally means "Next stop, [I am getting] down." In Chinese, the word for getting off a vehicle is 下 (xià). It is a punchy way to tell your friend or a crowded bus that your journey is ending soon. You are signaling your intent to move toward the door.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone statement. If someone asks where you are going, just say 下一站下. If you are squeezed in the back of a bus, say it loudly to move people aside. It is like a verbal blinker for your body. You do not need a subject like "I" because the context makes it obvious. It is all about efficiency in the urban jungle.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you are on public transport. It is perfect for the subway, bus, or even a shared Didi ride. If a friend is driving you, it is a polite way to signal your exit. It works great in text messages when meeting someone at a station. "I am almost there, 下一站下!" It keeps the conversation moving as fast as the train.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in a formal business meeting to mean you are leaving. It is strictly for physical transportation. Also, do not use it if you are still five stops away. That just creates unnecessary panic for the people blocking the door. If you are in a very fancy limousine, you might want a more polite "Please stop at the next corner."
Cultural Background
Chinese cities are famous for their massive, crowded transit systems. In places like Beijing or Shanghai, space is a luxury. Being direct is not rude; it is a survival skill. Saying 下一站下 helps the flow of the crowd. It is a shared language of the commute. It reflects the fast-paced, practical nature of modern Chinese city life.
Common Variations
You might hear 我下一站下 (I get off next stop) which is slightly more complete. If you are asking someone else, say 你下一站下吗？ (Do you get off next stop?). If you are in a rush, a simple 下车 (get off car) works too. But 下一站下 remains the gold standard for the daily commuter. It is rhythmic, clear, and perfectly balanced.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and highly practical. It is acceptable in almost all public transport situations. The only 'gotcha' is ensuring you say it loud enough to be heard over the bus engine!
Be loud
When the bus is noisy, say it clearly.
Examples
6不好意思，我下一站下。
Excuse me, I'm getting off at the next stop.
Adding 'Excuse me' makes it much more polite in a crowd.
快到了，我下一站下！
Almost there, I'm getting off at the next stop!
Great for giving your friend a heads-up to look for you.
师傅，下一站下。
Driver, [I'm] getting off at the next stop.
Using 'Shifu' (Master/Driver) is the standard way to address drivers.
请问，你下一站下吗？
Excuse me, are you getting off at the next stop?
A polite way to ask someone to move so you can exit.
别坐过了，我们下一站下！
Don't miss it, we're getting off at the next stop!
A lighthearted reminder to pay attention to the route.
很高兴认识你，我下一站下。
Nice to meet you, I'm getting off at the next stop.
Used to wrap up a conversation with a travel companion.
Test Yourself
Which is the most natural way to say you are exiting at the next stop?
How do you tell the driver you are exiting?
It is the most concise and idiomatic expression.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesHow do you tell the driver you are exiting?
It is the most concise and idiomatic expression.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it is functional.
Related Phrases
下车
builds onTo get off a vehicle.
下一站
builds onThe next stop.
