不相上下
bù xiāng shàng xià HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他们的成绩不相上下。
Tāmen de chéngjì bùxiāngshàngxià.
Their grades are roughly the same.
这两支球队实力不相上下。
Zhè liǎng zhī qiúduì shílì bùxiāngshàngxià.
These two teams are about equal in strength.
他们的表现不相上下。
Tāmen de biǎoxiàn bùxiāngshàngxià.
Their performances are roughly comparable.
他们的成绩不相上下。
Tāmen de chéngjì bùxiāngshàngxià.
Their grades are about equal.
这两支球队不相上下。
Zhè liǎng zhī qiúduì bùxiāngshàngxià.
These two teams are evenly matched.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 不 (not) + 相 (mutually) + 上 (up) + 下 (down). Imagine a seesaw perfectly balanced—neither side is up nor down relative to the other, so they are 'mutually not up or down,' or equally matched.

📝 Usage Notes

It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, across formal and informal contexts. It is frequently applied to compare skills, strengths, levels, or performances, such as in sports, academics, or competitions.

📖 Grammar Points

Typically used as a predicate in a sentence, following the subjects being compared. Structure: [Subject A] 和/与 [Subject B] + 不相上下。It can also function as an attributive when followed by 的 (e.g., 不相上下的水平).

🏯 Cultural Notes

Reflects a cultural appreciation for balance and subtlety in comparisons, often avoiding declaring a clear winner when differences are minimal. It's a diplomatic way to acknowledge the high quality of multiple parties.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to '势均力敌' (shì jūn lì dí), which also means evenly matched but often implies a more intense rivalry or confrontation. '不相上下' is broader and can describe any close comparison, not just a conflict.

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