以下

• Reading: いか
• Romaji: ika
• Kanji breakdown: 以 (i) — by means of, from; 下 (ka/shita) — below, under
• Pronunciation: /i.ka/

Meaning

Less than; below; the following. Indicates something at or under a certain level.

A suffix-like noun that attaches to numbers, quantities, or concepts to mean 'and below' or 'the following.' In Japanese, 以下 is inclusive of the stated number (e.g., 十以下 means ten and below). Also used to mean 'as follows' when introducing a list.

Examples

1. 十歳以下の子供は無料です。 Children ten and under get in free.
2. 以下の内容をよく読んでください。 Please read the following carefully.
3. 三十度以下になると寒く感じます。 It feels cold when it drops below thirty degrees.

Usage Guide

Context: rules, instructions, numbers

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From classical Chinese. 以 means 'by means of' or 'from,' and 下 means 'below.' Together they form a compound meaning 'from this point downward.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal