In 15 Seconds
- State 'Lingxia' first, then the number of degrees.
- Used exclusively with the Celsius scale in China.
- Common for winter small talk and weather reports.
Meaning
This is how you say the temperature is 10 degrees below freezing. It literally means 'zero below ten degrees.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking the morning weather
今天外面零下十度，多穿点儿。
It's minus 10 outside today, wear a bit more.
Complaining about the cold
我的天，办公室里竟然零下十度！
My god, it's actually minus 10 in the office!
Official weather broadcast
北京今晚最低气温零下十度。
The lowest temperature in Beijing tonight is minus 10 degrees.
Cultural Background
In the north, -10 degrees is common and people are well-prepared with central heating.
Remember the order
Always put '零下' first.
In 15 Seconds
- State 'Lingxia' first, then the number of degrees.
- Used exclusively with the Celsius scale in China.
- Common for winter small talk and weather reports.
What It Means
零下十度 is the standard way to describe freezing weather. In Chinese, you always say 零下 (below zero) before the number. It is simple and direct. It tells people exactly how cold it is outside. Think of it as the 'brrr' factor in numbers.
How To Use It
You use it just like a regular temperature. You can say 今天零下十度 (Today is minus 10). You don't need a verb like 'is' in many casual sentences. Just state the number after the time or place. It functions as a descriptive noun or adjective in conversation.
When To Use It
Use it when checking the weather app with friends. Use it when complaining about the heater being broken. It is perfect for small talk in the elevator. If you are in Northern China, you will hear this daily in winter. It is the universal language of winter misery.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if the temperature is above zero. For positive temperatures, just say the number followed by 度. Also, don't use it for body temperature. If your body is 零下十度, you are a popsicle. Only use this for the weather or your freezer.
Cultural Background
In Northern China, 零下十度 is considered 'chilly' but not 'extreme.' People will still go out for ice cream in Harbin at this temperature. However, in Southern China, this temperature is a national emergency. The 'Dry Cold' of the North vs. the 'Wet Cold' of the South is a huge debate. Even at 零下十度, the humid south feels much colder to many.
Common Variations
You might hear people add 摄氏 (Celsius) before the number in news reports. Most people just stick to the short version. You can also add 左右 (around) if you aren't sure. For example, 零下十度左右. It makes you sound more casual and less like a weather robot.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile and works in almost any setting. The key is remembering the word order: 'Below Zero' + 'Number' + 'Degree'.
Remember the order
Always put '零下' first.
Examples
6今天外面零下十度，多穿点儿。
It's minus 10 outside today, wear a bit more.
A very common way to show care to friends or family.
我的天，办公室里竟然零下十度！
My god, it's actually minus 10 in the office!
Used hyperbolically to complain about a lack of heating.
北京今晚最低气温零下十度。
The lowest temperature in Beijing tonight is minus 10 degrees.
Standard phrasing for news and weather reports.
哈尔滨现在零下十度，太冷了！
It's minus 10 in Harbin right now, so cold!
Sharing travel updates or warnings.
我不喜欢零下十度的天气。
I don't like minus 10 degree weather.
A simple statement of preference.
这台机器在零下十度也能工作。
This machine can work even at minus 10 degrees.
Technical context regarding temperature thresholds.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct temperature phrase.
今天外面很冷，气温是______。
The correct order is '零下' + number + '度'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises今天外面很冷，气温是______。
The correct order is '零下' + number + '度'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, but it sounds more scientific.
Related Phrases
零上十度
contrast10 degrees above zero
