下载
xià zài
Download hello · trad. 下載
下载 (xiàzài) is the standard and most common way to say "download" in Mandarin Chinese. It refers to transferring data or files from a remote system (like a server) to a local system (like your computer or phone).
When to use it
Neutral. It's a widely used technical term in digital contexts, appropriate for both formal instructions and casual conversation about digital content. When someone asks you to download something, you might reply "好的，我马上去下载" (Hǎo de, wǒ mǎshàng qù xiàzài), "Okay, I'll download it right away."
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "shyah-ZAI." Both "下" and "载" are falling tones. The first tone is a full falling tone, and the second is also a full falling tone.
Other ways to say it
- 下载文件xià zài wén jiàndownload a file
- 下载软件xià zài ruǎn jiàndownload software
- 下载应用xià zài yìng yòngdownload an app
Examples
请点击这里下载。
qǐng diǎn jī zhè lǐ xià zài 。
Please click here to download.
我想下载这个电影。
wǒ xiǎng xià zài zhè ge diàn yǐng 。
I want to download this movie.
这个应用在哪里下载？
zhè ge yìng yòng zài nǎ lǐ xià zài ？
Where can I download this app?
Pro tip: While 下载 is often used as a verb (to download), it can also function as a noun, meaning "a download" or "downloads," for example, in "我的下载" (wǒ de xiàzài), meaning "my downloads."
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →