Definition
下药 is a separable verb (离合词) — the two characters can split to insert aspect markers or measure words (下了药, 下过药). It has two common meanings: 'to prescribe medicine' (when a doctor orders medication for a patient) or 'to add poison' (often secretly into food or drink). Context is essential to tell them apart.
v.o.
to prescribe medication (for someone)to add poison (to food or drink)
Examples
- 。Yīshēng gěi tā xià le yào.The doctor prescribed medicine for him.
- 下药。Tā tōutōu zài jiǔ lǐ xià yào.He secretly put poison in the wine.
- 下药。Zhè zhǒng bìng xūyào zǎo xià yào.This kind of illness requires early medication.
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