The verb + 一下 structure

The structure verb + 一下 (yíxià) marks an action done briefly, once, or as a try.

In English it corresponds to “… a bit”, “… for a moment”, “have a … ”.

Basic structure

Verb + 一下

Meaning: the action is brief, or is a try.

你(Nǐ)可(kě)以(yǐ)打(dǎ)电(diàn)话(huà)问(wèn)一(yí)下(xià)。

You can call and ask.

问 + 一下 ask + briefly / once

你(nǐ)可(kě)以(yǐ)you can

打(dǎ)电(diàn)话(huà)make a call

问(wèn)一(yí)下(xià)ask briefly

Here 一下 marks the action as short and light.

请(Qǐng)休(xiū)息(xi)一(yí)下(xià)。

Please rest for a while.

休息 + 一下 rest + for a while

请(qǐng)please

休(xiū)息(xi)rest

一(yí)下(xià)for a moment

你(Nǐ)看(kàn)一(yí)下(xià)吧(ba)。

Have a look.

看 + 一下 + 吧 look + briefly + the suggesting tone

你(nǐ)you

看(kàn)一(yí)下(xià)have a look

吧(ba)the tone of a gentle suggestion

Verb + 一下

Meaning: the action is done briefly, or once, as a try.

Examples:

问(wèn)一(yí)下(xià)

ask briefly

休(xiū)息(xi)一(yí)下(xià)

rest for a while

看(kàn)一(yí)下(xià)

have a look