下流

• Reading: かりゅう
• Romaji: karyuu
• Kanji breakdown: 下 (ka/shita) — lower, below; 流 (ryuu) — flow, stream, current
• Pronunciation: /ka.ɾjɯː/

Meaning

Downstream; lower reaches of a river. The part of a river closer to where it empties into the sea.

A noun with both literal and figurative uses. Literally, it refers to the lower section of a river where the water flows more slowly and the land tends to be flatter. The opposite is 上流 (jouryuu, upstream). Figuratively, 下流 can describe lower social classes or lower quality, though this usage carries a negative connotation and should be used carefully.

Examples

1. 川の下流に広い平野が広がっている。 A wide plain spreads out along the downstream area of the river.
2. 工場の排水が下流の水質に影響を及ぼしている。 Factory wastewater is affecting the water quality downstream.
3. 上流で大雨が降ると、下流では洪水の危険が高まる。 When heavy rain falls upstream, the risk of flooding increases downstream.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, environment, news

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 下 (ka, lower/below) + 流 (ryuu, flow/stream). Literally 'lower flow' — the downstream portion of a flowing body of water.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal