下

• Reading: した
• Romaji: shita
• Kanji breakdown: 下 (shita/moto/ka/ge) — below, lower, under
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ta/

Meaning

Below; down; under; beneath. Indicates a lower position.

A fundamental spatial noun that contrasts with 上 (ue, above). Used with に to mark location (下に = under, below). Also used figuratively to mean younger or inferior in rank, as in 年下 (toshishita, younger). Has multiple readings: した, もと, しも, か, げ.

Examples

1. 机の下に猫がいます。 There is a cat under the desk.
2. このボタンは画面の下にあります。 This button is at the bottom of the screen.
3. 橋の下を川が流れています。 A river flows under the bridge.

Usage Guide

Context: position, directions, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 下 is a pictographic character showing a line below a baseline, indicating the concept of 'below' or 'lower.'

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal