天下

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"天下" literally means "under heaven" and is a classical term referring to the entire world or realm, often used in historical or literary contexts. It can mean the whole country, the world, or the realm under a ruler's control.

Common Contexts

It frequently appears in idioms and historical narratives about unification or governance, such as "统一天下" (unify the world) or "天下" (the general trend of the world).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 天下: the general trend of the world, often used in political or historical discussions.
  • 统一天下: to unify the world or country, common in historical or fictional contexts.
  • 天下: an idiom meaning "nothing in the world is difficult," emphasizing determination.

Usage Notes

"天下" is a formal and somewhat literary term, not commonly used in everyday casual conversation. It often appears in written Chinese, classical texts, or formal speeches. Avoid confusing it with "世界" (shìjiè), which is the more common modern word for "world." "天下" carries a slightly grander, more poetic or historical tone.

Example Sentences

The general trend of the world is that long division must lead to unity, and

He wants to unify the world and become the strongest emperor.

Nothing in the world is difficult if you put your heart into it.