放下 (fàngxia) — to put down / let go

HSK 3 | verb | to put down, to set down, to let go of

放下 (fàngxia)

放下 means to put down or set something down. It is also used figuratively to mean letting go of a burden, worry, or grudge. 放 means to release or place, and 下 indicates a downward direction.

Meanings

  1. [verb] To put down; to set down (physically place something on a surface).
  2. [verb] To let go of; to stop holding onto (a feeling, worry, or attachment).

Example Sentences

请把手机放下,认真听课。 Qǐng bǎ shǒujī fàngxia, rènzhēn tīng kè. Please put down your phone and listen to the class carefully.

把包放下,休息一下。 Bǎ bāo fàngxia, xiūxi yīxià. Put down your bag and rest for a bit.

他无法放下对过去的遗憾。 Tā wúfǎ fàngxia duì guòqù de yíhàn. He cannot let go of regrets about the past.

放下工作,陪陪家人。 Fàngxia gōngzuò, péi pei jiārén. Put work aside and spend time with your family.

Collocations

Collocation Meaning
放下手机 to put down the phone
放下包袱 to let go of burdens
放下工作 to set work aside
放下心来 to feel relieved; to stop worrying
放不下 cannot let go of; cannot put down

Memory Hook

放 (release) plus 下 (down). Releasing something downward, whether a heavy bag onto the floor or a heavy feeling from your heart.