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A2 adjective 6 min read

低的

di de

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 低的 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 低的 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know '低' (dī) in its most basic physical sense. Think of it as the opposite of '高' (gāo - tall/high). You use it to describe things that are not high up. For example, a 'low chair' or saying 'the level is low'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex '的' structures or abstract meanings. Just remember: High = 高, Low = 低. If you see a wall that you can easily jump over, it is '低'. If the price of an apple is very cheap, you can say the price is '低'. Keep it simple and focus on physical height and basic numbers.

At the A2 level, you start using '低的' (dī de) to modify nouns more frequently. You should be able to talk about '低的温度' (low temperatures) or '低的价格' (low prices). You are learning to describe your environment and shopping experiences. You should also learn the difference between '低' and '矮'. Remember: people are '矮' (short), but a low ceiling is '低'. You might also encounter the word in phrases like '低头' (lower one's head), which is a common action. You are moving from just identifying 'low' things to describing them in full sentences.

At the B1 level, you use '低的' to describe more abstract concepts. You might talk about '低的效率' (low efficiency) at work or '低的分数' (low grades) in school. You should be comfortable using '低的' in comparative sentences, such as '这个产品的质量比那个低' (The quality of this product is lower than that one). You also start to see '低' in compound words like '低级' (low-level/elementary) or '低调' (low-key). You are expected to understand that '低' can describe not just height, but also quality and intensity.

At the B2 level, you understand the nuances of '低的' in professional and social contexts. You can discuss '低收入家庭' (low-income families) or '低碳生活' (low-carbon lifestyle). You recognize that '低' can have a social connotation, such as '地位低' (low social status). You are also aware of how '低' is used in specific fields, like '低气压' in meteorology or '低音' in music. Your use of '低的' is no longer just descriptive; it is functional and context-specific. You understand that '低的' can sometimes imply a negative judgment (like low quality) or a positive virtue (like being low-key).

At the C1 level, you use '低的' and its related forms in highly sophisticated ways. You can analyze '低频率的波' (low-frequency waves) or '低通滤波器' (low-pass filters) in technical discussions. You understand the historical and literary roots of the character '低', such as in the famous poem line '低头思故乡' (lower my head and think of my hometown). You can distinguish between '低' and more formal synonyms like '卑' or '劣'. You are sensitive to the register of the word and can use it in academic writing to describe '低增长率' (low growth rate) or '低概率事件' (low-probability events).

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '低的'. You can use it in philosophical discussions about '低级趣味' (low tastes/vulgarity) vs. high art. You understand the subtle emotional weight the word carries in literature, describing '低回' (lingering/low-spirited) moods. You can effortlessly switch between colloquial uses and highly specialized jargon. You understand the etymological evolution of the character and can interpret its use in classical Chinese texts where '低' might have slightly different connotations. You are a native-like user who can play with the word's meaning for rhetorical effect.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

低的 in 30 Seconds

Used to describe physical height (low objects) and numerical values (low prices, temperatures).
Essential to distinguish from '矮' (short), which is used for people and living things.
Often used with '的' before nouns or in comparative structures.
Commonly found in compound words like '低调' (low-key) and '低温' (low temperature).

The Chinese word 低的 (dī de) is a fundamental adjective used to describe things that are low in height, level, degree, or value. While the root character 低 (dī) carries the core meaning, the addition of the particle 的 (de) typically turns it into an attributive adjective used to modify a noun or indicates a specific quality in a comparative context. Understanding this word is crucial because it bridges the gap between physical descriptions and abstract measurements.

Physical Verticality: In its most literal sense, '低的' describes objects that do not rise far from the ground or a baseline. This could be a low ceiling that makes you duck, a low wall in a garden, or a low branch on a tree. It is important to distinguish this from 'short' (矮 - ǎi), which is used for the height of people or trees themselves.
Numerical and Abstract Levels: Beyond physical height, '低的' is the standard way to describe low numbers or intensities. This includes 'low temperatures' (低的气温), 'low prices' (低的价格), or 'low scores' (低的分数). It implies a position at the bottom end of a scale or spectrum.
Social and Qualitative Status: In a more metaphorical sense, it can describe social status or quality. While 'low quality' is often expressed as '质量低', using '低的' as a modifier (e.g., '低等级' - low rank) highlights a hierarchy. It can also describe a 'low' or quiet volume of voice (低的声音).

这个房间的天花板很低，给人一种低的压抑感。(The ceiling of this room is very low, giving a low sense of oppression.)

我们应该在价格低的时候买进。(We should buy in when the price is low.)

Culturally, the concept of 'low' isn't always negative in Chinese. For instance, '低调' (dī diào - low key) is a highly respected trait in Chinese society, signifying humility and avoiding unnecessary attention. Conversely, '低级' (dī jí) refers to something low-level or vulgar, showing the word's versatility across different registers of speech. Whether you are bargaining at a market in Beijing or describing the altitude of a coastal city, '低的' is an indispensable part of your vocabulary toolkit.

Using 低的 (dī de) correctly involves understanding its placement in a sentence. In Chinese grammar, '的' is a structural particle that links an adjective to the noun it modifies. When you want to say 'a low [noun]', you use the pattern [Adjective] + 的 + [Noun].

Attributive Position: This is where '低的' most commonly appears. Example: '低的价格' (low price). Here, '低的' describes the nature of the price. If the adjective is a single syllable like '低', the '的' is sometimes optional in fixed phrases (like 低温 - low temperature), but '低的' is used for emphasis or to make the sentence sound more natural in modern speech.
Comparative Structures: When comparing two things, '低的' can be used to indicate which one is lower. '他的分数是比较低的' (His score is relatively low). The '的' here functions as a nominalizer, implying 'the low one'.

那种低的效率无法满足我们的需求。(That kind of low efficiency cannot meet our needs.)

他用一种非常低的声音跟我说话。(He spoke to me in a very low voice.)

Common sentence patterns include:
1. [Noun] + 很/非常/比较 + 低 (The noun is very/extremely/relatively low).
2. 低的 + [Noun] + [Verb]... (The low noun does something).
3. [Verb] + 得 + 很低 (To do something to a low degree, e.g., '飞得很低' - to fly very low).

You will encounter 低的 or its root 低 in a variety of real-world scenarios in Chinese-speaking environments. From daily shopping to professional news broadcasts, it is a high-frequency term.

In the Market (Shopping): When bargaining or looking for deals, you'll hear '价格太低了' (The price is too low - usually said by the seller) or '有没有更低的价格？' (Is there an even lower price?). In advertisements, '低价' (low price) is a common buzzword to attract customers.
Weather and Science: Weather reports frequently use '低温' (low temperature) or '低压' (low pressure). For example, '今晚会有较低的气温' (There will be relatively low temperatures tonight). In technical fields, you might hear about '低频率' (low frequency) or '低海拔' (low altitude).
Music and Arts: Musicians discuss '低音' (bass/low notes). A singer might be told their pitch is '太低了'. In literature, '低沉' (dī chén) describes a deep, low, or somber atmosphere or voice.

超市里有很多价格低的水果。(There are many low-priced fruits in the supermarket.)

飞机的飞行高度非常低。(The plane's flight altitude is very low.)

English speakers often struggle with the nuances of 'low' in Chinese because English uses the same word for different concepts that Chinese separates.

Confusing '低' (dī) and '矮' (ǎi): This is the #1 mistake. '矮' (ǎi) is specifically for the vertical height of living things (people, animals, trees) or objects that are inherently 'short' in stature. '低' (dī) refers to a position that is close to the ground or a low level on a scale. You can say a table is '低', but you should say a person is '矮'. Saying '他很低' (He is low) sounds like he is physically crouching or has a low social position, not that he is short.
Overusing '低的' as a Predicate: English speakers often translate 'The temperature is low' as '气温是低的'. While grammatically possible, it sounds unnatural. In Chinese, adjectives often function as verbs. The natural way is '气温很低'. Use '低的' primarily when it comes before a noun: '低的温度'.
Confusing '低' with '浅' (qiǎn): '浅' (qiǎn) means 'shallow' (not deep). While English might use 'low' for water levels, Chinese uses '浅' for the depth of water or '淡' (dàn) for the intensity of colors. If you say '低的水' (low water), it sounds like the water is physically at a low altitude, not that the pool is shallow.

错误 (Wrong): 他是一个低的人。(Meaning he is short).
正确 (Right): 他是一个矮个子的人。

To truly master '低的', you must know its synonyms and how they differ in register and context.

低 vs. 矮 (ǎi): As mentioned, '矮' is for stature (short person), while '低' is for level or position (low ceiling/low price).
低 vs. 卑 (bēi): '卑' is a more formal or classical term for 'low' or 'inferior'. It is usually found in compound words like '卑微' (lowly and insignificant) or '自卑' (low self-esteem). '低' is the common, everyday term.
低 vs. 下 (xià): '下' means 'down' or 'under'. While '低' describes a state or quality, '下' often describes a relative position or a direction of movement. '下等' (lower class) is a synonym for '低等', but '下' is more of a noun/preposition, whereas '低' is an adjective.

比较：
1. 这里的气温很低。(Low temperature)
2. 这个水池很浅。(Shallow pool)
3. 这个孩子很矮。(Short child)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The radical for 'person' (亻) in '低' suggests that the concept of 'low' was originally tied to human posture and social hierarchy.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /diː/

US /diː/

Single syllable 'dī' carries the primary stress. 'de' is a neutral tone and is unstressed.

Rhymes With

衣 (yī) 七 (qī) 西 (xī) 机 (jī) 鸡 (jī) 稀 (xī) 期 (qī) 梯 (tī)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it with a falling tone (like 'dì'), which can mean 'earth' or 'bottom'.
Using the English 'low' (lo) instead of the Chinese 'dī'.
Failing to keep the first tone high and steady.
Over-emphasizing the 'de' particle.
Confusing the 'i' sound with 'ih' as in 'bit'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The character is simple and common.

Writing 3/5

The '氐' part can be tricky for beginners to stroke correctly.

Speaking 2/5

First tone is usually easy, but don't drop it.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, but can be confused with 'dì'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

高 (tall/high) 的 (particle) 大 (big) 小 (small) 人 (person)

Learn Next

矮 (short) 降低 (to lower) 水平 (level) 质量 (quality) 价格 (price)

Advanced

低廉卑微低迷低碳低调

Grammar to Know

Adjectives as Predicates

价格低。 (The price is low. No 'is' needed in Chinese).

The particle '的' for attribution

低的价格。 (The low price).

Adverbs with '得'

飞得很低。 (Flies very low).

Comparison with '比'

他的分数比我低。 (His score is lower than mine).

Reduplication for emphasis

低低的。 (Very low/softly).

Examples by Level

桌子很低。

The table is very low.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

这是低的小椅子。

This is a low little chair.

低的 modifies the noun chair.

他的个子不高，很低。

His height is not high, it's low. (Note: Using '低' for height is slightly non-standard but understandable at A1).

Contrast between 高 and 低.

水很低。

The water is low.

Describing the level of a liquid.

这里的山很低。

The mountains here are very low.

Describing physical landscape.

这个价格很低。

This price is very low.

Describing value.

门很低，请小心。

The door is very low, please be careful.

Warning using an adjective.

球飞得很低。

The ball is flying very low.

Verb + 得 + Adjective (adverbial use).

我买了一件价格低的的衬衫。

I bought a low-priced shirt.

Attributive use: 低的价格的... or 价格低的...

今天有低的气温。

There are low temperatures today.

Modifying a noun.

我们要找一个低的位置。

We need to find a low position.

Finding a specific location.

这个声音太低了，我听不见。

This sound is too low, I can't hear it.

太...了 structure.

请把头低一点。

Please lower your head a bit.

低 as a verb meaning 'to lower'.

这里的墙比较低。

The wall here is relatively low.

Using 比较 (relatively).

他住在一个低的小房子里。

He lives in a low little house.

Multiple adjectives modifying a noun.

那个分数是比较低的。

That score is relatively low.

Categorizing a score.

这种机器的效率很低。

The efficiency of this machine is very low.

Abstract noun + 很低.

他在公司里的地位很低。

His status in the company is very low.

Describing social/professional rank.

我们应该保持低调。

We should keep a low profile.

Compound word '低调'.

他的声音很低沉。

His voice is very low and deep.

Compound word '低沉'.

这是一种低级的错误。

This is a low-level (elementary) mistake.

低级 used as an adjective.

由于气压低，我觉得不舒服。

Because the air pressure is low, I feel uncomfortable.

Scientific cause and effect.

这个地区的出生率很低。

The birth rate in this area is very low.

Statistical description.

他总是低着头走路。

He always walks with his head lowered.

Verb + 着 (continuous state).

政府正在帮助低收入家庭。

The government is helping low-income families.

Compound adjective '低收入'.

低碳生活对环境有好处。

A low-carbon lifestyle is good for the environment.

Modern environmental terminology.

这首歌的低音部分很好听。

The bass part of this song is very pleasant.

Musical terminology.

股市正处于低谷。

The stock market is at a low ebb (trough).

Metaphorical use: 低谷 (low valley).

这种材料的耐热性很低。

The heat resistance of this material is very low.

Technical property description.

他犯了一个低水平的错误。

He made a low-level error.

Qualitative judgment.

这里的海拔很低，甚至低于海平面。

The altitude here is very low, even lower than sea level.

Scientific comparison.

她说话的声音低不可闻。

Her voice was so low it was almost inaudible.

Four-character idiom-like structure.

低通滤波器可以滤除高频信号。

A low-pass filter can filter out high-frequency signals.

Technical engineering term.

经济处于低迷状态。

The economy is in a depressed/sluggish state.

Formal economic term '低迷'.

他那种低俗的笑话让人尴尬。

His vulgar (low) jokes made people embarrassed.

Moral/aesthetic judgment '低俗'.

我们需要降低生产成本。

We need to lower production costs.

降低 (to lower) as a transitive verb.

这篇文章的格调不高，甚至有些低下。

The style of this article is not high, even somewhat low/mean.

Describing artistic/moral quality.

低频率的震动很难被察觉。

Low-frequency vibrations are hard to detect.

Scientific precision.

他由于长期处于低落的情绪中而病倒了。

He fell ill due to being in a low-spirited mood for a long time.

Psychological state '低落'.

这种药物的副作用发生概率极低。

The probability of side effects for this drug is extremely low.

Statistical probability.

诗人笔下的‘低回’表达了无尽的哀思。

The 'low and lingering' described by the poet expressed endless sorrow.

Literary analysis.

这种低端市场已经饱和了。

This low-end market is already saturated.

Business strategy terminology.

他以一种近乎低三下四的姿态请求原谅。

He asked for forgiveness in an almost groveling (lowly) manner.

Idiom '低三下四'.

在这一层面上，道德的约束力变得很低。

At this level, the binding force of morality becomes very low.

Abstract philosophical reasoning.

低能耗建筑是未来城市的发展方向。

Low-energy buildings are the development direction for future cities.

Specialized architecture term.

他那低沉的嗓音仿佛从远古传来。

His deep, low voice seemed to come from ancient times.

Evocative literary description.

这种低劣的手段终究会被识破。

These base/inferior tactics will eventually be seen through.

Strong moral condemnation.

低熵状态意味着系统的高度有序。

A low-entropy state implies a high degree of order in the system.

Advanced physics/thermodynamics.

Common Collocations

低的价格

低的温度

低的分数

低的声音

低的效率

低的地位

低的海拔

低的质量

低的气压

低的频率

Common Phrases

低头

— To lower one's head; to yield.

他低着头，不敢看我。

低调

— Low-key; humble.

他是个很低调的人。

低级

— Low-level; elementary; vulgar.

这是一个低级错误。

低落

— Low-spirited; depressed.

他最近情绪低落。

低迷

— Sluggish; depressed (usually economy).

股市持续低迷。

低价

— Low price.

低价促销正在进行。

低温

— Low temperature.

注意防寒，外面是低温。

低估

— To underestimate.

千万不要低估对手。

低等

— Lower order; inferior.

低等动物。

低沉

— Deep; low-pitched; somber.

他的声音非常低沉。

Often Confused With

低的 vs 矮

Use 矮 for people/short trees. Use 低 for levels/physical objects.

低的 vs 浅

Use 浅 for shallow water or light colors. Use 低 for altitude or level.

低的 vs 底

底 is a noun meaning 'bottom'. 低 is an adjective meaning 'low'.

Idioms & Expressions

"低三下四"

— To be humble or groveling in an obsequious way.

他低三下四地去求人。

Informal/Negative

"眉低眼慢"

— To look dejected or listless.

他整天眉低眼慢的。

Literary

"低首下心"

— To be submissive and obedient.

他低首下心地接受了批评。

Formal

"高不成低不就"

— To be unable to achieve high goals but unwilling to accept low ones.

他找工作总是高不成低不就。

Common

"头低到尘埃里"

— To be extremely humble (often in love).

在她面前，他的头低到了尘埃里。

Literary

"眼高手低"

— To have great ambitions but little ability.

年轻人最忌讳眼高手低。

Common

"低吟浅唱"

— To hum or sing softly.

诗人正在月下低吟浅唱。

Literary

"门槛低"

— Low entry requirement.

这个行业的进入门槛很低。

Neutral

"低眉顺眼"

— Docile and submissive.

她低眉顺眼地站在一旁。

Descriptive

"低回不已"

— To linger in one's mind (often music or emotion).

那段旋律让人低回不已。

Formal

Easily Confused

低的 vs 矮

Both translate to 'low' or 'short' in English.

矮 refers to the vertical stature of a living thing. 低 refers to a position relative to a baseline.

他很矮 (He is short). 天花板很低 (The ceiling is low).

低的 vs 浅

Both can describe levels.

浅 is about depth (shallow). 低 is about height or scale.

水很浅 (The water is shallow). 水位很低 (The water level is low).

低的 vs 底

Similar pronunciation and meaning.

底 is a noun (the bottom). 低 is an adjective (low).

杯底 (Bottom of the cup). 低价 (Low price).

低的 vs 淡

Both can mean 'low intensity'.

淡 is for taste, color, or smell. 低 is for numerical values.

味道很淡 (The taste is weak). 气温很低 (The temperature is low).

低的 vs 小

Both can mean 'less'.

小 is size/volume. 低 is level/rank.

声音小 (Voice is quiet). 地位低 (Status is low).

Sentence Patterns

S + 很低

价格很低。

低的 + N

低的价格。

V + 得 + 很低

飞得很低。

S + 比较低

效率比较低。

处于 + 低谷/低迷

经济处于低迷。

低 + [Noun] + [Noun]

低收入家庭。

极低 / 极其低

概率极低。

低 + [Character] + [Character] + [Character]

低三下四。

Word Family

Nouns

低谷 (trough/low point)

低地 (lowland)

低端 (low-end)

Verbs

降低 (to lower)

低头 (to lower head)

贬低 (to belittle)

Adjectives

低级的 (low-level)

低调的 (low-key)

低廉的 (cheap)

高 (high)

矮 (short)

浅 (shallow)

深 (deep)

平 (flat)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in both spoken and written Chinese.

Common Mistakes

他是一个低的人。 → 他是一个矮的人。
Use 矮 for people's height.
水很低。 → 水很浅。
Use 浅 for shallow water depth.
价格是低的。 → 价格很低。
Adjectives don't usually use '是...的' in simple predicative sentences.
我低估了他的高度。 → 我低估了他的能力。
低估 is usually for abstract things like ability, not physical height.
这个房间很矮。 → 这个房间很低。
Use 低 for ceilings and rooms.

Tips

The 'Very' Rule

In Chinese, when an adjective is the predicate, you almost always need '很' (hěn) even if you don't mean 'very'. Just saying '价格低' sounds incomplete.

Low Profile

Learn '低调' (dī diào). It's a very common and culturally important word in China.

Tone 1 Stability

Keep 'dī' high and flat. If you let it drop, it becomes 'dǐ' (bottom) or 'dì' (ground).

Bowing

'低头' (lowering the head) is a sign of admitting a mistake or showing respect.

Avoid '矮' for Objects

Don't call a table '矮'. It's '低'. '矮' is for living things.

Bargaining

Use '太贵了，能不能低一点？' (Too expensive, can it be a bit lower?) when bargaining.

Compounds

Many scientific terms use '低' as a prefix (低温, 低压, 低碳).

Formal Synonyms

In essays, try using '低下' or '较低' for a more sophisticated tone.

Visual Cue

Visualize a 'D' pointing 'Down' for 'Dī'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

The '亻' (person) is standing next to '氐' (the base/ground). If a person is at the base, they are 'low'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person bowing low under a very 'low' (低) ceiling.

Word Web

低头低调低廉低级低谷低音低温低压

Challenge

Try to find 5 things in your room that are '低' and 5 things that are '高'. Say them out loud in Chinese.

Word Origin

The character 低 (dī) is a phono-semantic compound. It consists of the radical '亻' (person) and the phonetic component '氐' (dǐ).

Original meaning: The original meaning referred to a person bowing or leaning down. '氐' itself means 'base' or 'foundation'.

Sino-Tibetan.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '低级' (low-level) as it can be very insulting if applied to a person's intelligence or taste.

English speakers often use 'short' for everything, but Chinese is much more specific about using '低' vs '矮'.

Li Bai's poem 'Quiet Night Thought' (低头思故乡) Modern pop songs about '低调' Economic reports on '低迷' periods.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

价格太低了
更低的价格
低价促销
最低价

Weather

气温很低
低温预警
气压低
低空云

School/Work

分数很低
效率低
地位低
水平低

Music

低音部分
声音太低
唱不下去
低沉的嗓音

Physical Space

天花板低
围墙很低
低着头
飞得低

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这里的物价是高还是低？ (Do you think the prices here are high or low?)"

"你喜欢低调的人还是张扬的人？ (Do you like low-key people or showy people?)"

"如果你考试分数很低，你会怎么办？ (What would you do if your test score was very low?)"

"你认为怎样才能过上低碳生活？ (How do you think we can live a low-carbon life?)"

"你家附近有没有海拔比较低的地方？ (Are there any low-altitude places near your house?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你因为价格低而买到好东西的经历。(Describe a time you bought something good because the price was low.)

为什么‘低调’在中国文化中被认为是一种美德？(Why is 'being low-key' considered a virtue in Chinese culture?)

谈谈你对低效率工作的看法。(Talk about your views on low-efficiency work.)

写一段关于一个总是低着头走路的人的故事。(Write a story about a person who always walks with their head lowered.)

如何提高一个人的社会地位？(How can one raise their low social status?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that sounds like he has low social status or is physically crouching. Use '他很矮'.

低 is an adjective (low). 降低 is a verb (to lower). Example: 价格低 (Price is low) vs. 降低价格 (To lower the price).

Usually, yes. It implies humility. However, in some contexts, it might mean someone is being too secretive.

You usually say '电量低' (diànliàng dī) or '没电了' (méidiàn le).

Use '低的' before a noun (e.g., 低的成本) or when you want to emphasize the quality as a category.

Yes, it can mean low pitch (低音) or low volume (低声).

Yes, if you call someone's taste or behavior '低级', it's quite insulting.

The opposite is '高' (gāo), which means high or tall.

Yes, to describe the 'level' (水位低), but use '浅' to describe the 'depth' (水浅).

You say '最低价' (zuì dī jià).