在...下
Reach for this when an action happens under some condition, leadership, or influence — 'under X.' Slot a noun phrase between 在 and 下 to describe the circumstance the main action takes place in. Common patterns: 在他的领导下 (under his leadership), 在压力下 (under pressure), 在帮助下 (with the help of). The action that follows is the result of, or set against, that backdrop.
Structure
在 [CONDITION/AGENT] 下，[RESULT]
zài... xià...
How to Think About It
在...下 isn't literal 'underneath' — it's metaphorical 'within the influence of.' Use it for invisible forces (leadership, pressure, support, conditions). For literal under-something-physical (under the table), use 在...下面 with 面 added. The 下 here is closer to English 'under' in 'under his guidance' than in 'under the bed.'
Examples
在老师的帮助下，我通过了考试。
Zài lǎoshī de bāngzhù xià, wǒ tōngguò le kǎoshì.
With the teacher's help, I passed the exam.
在他的领导下，公司发展得很快。
Zài tā de lǐngdǎo xià, gōngsī fāzhǎn de hěn kuài.
Under his leadership, the company grew quickly.
在压力下，他做出了错误的决定。
Zài yālì xià, tā zuòchū le cuòwù de juédìng.
Under pressure, he made the wrong decision.
Common Mistake
Learners try to use 在...下 for physical location ('under the bed'). The bare 下 reads as abstract; spatial 'under' needs 下面 or 底下.
猫在桌子下睡觉。
猫在桌子下面睡觉。
Don't Confuse With
在...下面
Spatial 'underneath' — physical position. 在...下 (without 面) is abstract: conditions, influence, guidance.
在...的时候
Use 在...的时候 for 'when' (a moment in time). 在...下 for 'under' (a circumstance). Different framings of context.
由于...
由于 directly cites a reason ('due to'). 在...下 frames a background condition. Use 由于 for cause; 在...下 for setting.
Practice
___ 父母的支持 ___，他实现了梦想。
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在 / 下
在新政策 ___，物价更稳定了。
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下
Arrange: 大家的努力 / 完成了 / 任务 / 在 / 下 / 我们
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在大家的努力下，我们完成了任务。
Under these circumstances, we have to wait.
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在这种情况下，我们只能等。
Use 在...下 to describe an achievement made with someone's help.
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在朋友的鼓励下，我开始学跑步。
Hear It in Real Episodes
This pattern appears in 4 Fluentide episodes: