下沉

下沉

"To sink" or "to descend."

In this sentence, "下沉" indicates the physical action of moving downward into liquid, namely water, describing the actual physical process.

船在水面上缓缓下沉。

The boat is slowly sinking in the water.

Here, "下沉" metaphorically describes a decline or decrease in level or value, used to explain economic or abstract deterioration.

市场竞争加剧后，小型企业的利润下沉到最低点。

After market competition intensified, small businesses' profits dipped to the lowest point.

In this usage, "下沉" metaphorically implies extending influence or action to lower or less developed levels, common in business strategies.

为了拓展业务，公司开始下沉到乡镇市场。

To expand its business, the company started reaching into township markets.