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.
你可以打电话问一下
你可以nǐ kěyǐyou can
打电话dǎ diànhuàmake a call
问一下wèn yíxiàask briefly
Here 一下 marks the action as short and light.
请休息一下
请qǐngplease
休息xiūxirest
一下yíxiàfor a moment
你看一下吧
你nǐyou
看一下kàn yíxiàhave a look
吧bathe tone of a gentle suggestion
The rule in short
Verb + 一下
Meaning:
the action is done briefly, or once, as a try.
Examples:
问一下
休息一下
看一下