下部

xià bù
lower part

这座建筑的下部结构需要加固。

The lower part of this building's structure needs reinforcement.


formal

The lower section or part of an object, building, or body.

机器的下部安装了散热片。

The lower part of the machine is equipped with a heat sink.

人体的下部包括腿和臀部。

The lower part of the human body includes the legs and buttocks.

Often used in technical or anatomical contexts to describe the lower section of a structure or organism.

Collocations

下部结构lower structure下部组织lower tissues下部机身lower fuselage

Related Phrases

上下部phrase
upper and lower parts

Pro Tip

Distinguish from '下层'

'下部' refers to the physical lower section of an object or body, while '下层' (xiàcéng) refers to a social or hierarchical lower level (e.g., '下层社会' meaning 'lower society').

Gold Rule

Technical vs. General Usage

In technical contexts (e.g., engineering, anatomy), '下部' is precise. In general speech, '底部' or '下面' may be more natural.

Word Origin

Composed of '下' (xià, meaning 'below' or 'lower') and '部' (bù, meaning 'part' or 'section'). The term has been used in Chinese since classical times to describe the lower portion of objects or bodies.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in technical, anatomical, and architectural contexts. Avoid using it for abstract concepts like 'lower class' or 'lower society'—use '下层' (xiàcéng) instead.

Word Breakdown

下
below/lower
root
+
部
part/section
root
汉英词典