Translation and Meaning of: 下 - shita

The Japanese word 下[した] is a fundamental term for anyone learning the language. Its basic meaning is "beneath" or "below," but its usage goes far beyond simple spatial location. In this article, we will explore everything from the origin and writing of the kanji to practical examples of how it appears in everyday Japanese. If you want to understand how this word functions in sentences or even discover cultural curiosities related to it, keep reading!

Meaning and usage of 下[した]

下[した] is a versatile word that can be used to indicate both physical position and hierarchy. In spatial contexts, it describes something that is below another object, as in "本は机の下にある" (the book is under the table). In social situations, it can refer to subordinates or something of lesser importance, such as in "下の名前" (first name).

Additionally, it appears in various compound expressions, such as 地下[ちか] (underground) and 下着[したぎ] (underwear). Its simplicity and frequency in daily life make it essential for those starting to learn Japanese. It is worth paying attention to how the Japanese use it in different contexts.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 下 is made up of three strokes and has an interesting history. It derives from a pictogram that represented something being placed below a horizontal line. This visual concept makes it easier to remember, as the upper stroke symbolizes a surface, while the lower strokes indicate what is underneath.

Besides the reading した, this kanji can also be read as しも (in words like 下半身[かはんしん] - lower body) or げ (as in 下手[へた] - clumsy). Knowing these variations helps to better understand texts and conversations in Japanese, especially in formal or literary contexts.

Cultural curiosities and memorization tips

In Japan, the word 下 is associated with concepts of hierarchy and respect. In companies and schools, for example, it is common to hear terms like 部下[ぶか] (subordinate), emphasizing the importance of social status. This cultural aspect causes the word to go beyond its physical meaning, incorporating traditional Japanese values.

To memorize 下[した], a useful tip is to associate it with everyday objects that are always below something, like shoes (which are under the body) or tree roots (which are beneath the ground). Creating simple sentences like "猫は椅子の下にいます" (the cat is under the chair) also helps to reinforce the vocabulary in a practical way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 下部 (kabu) - Bottom part
• 下方 (ka hō) - Direction down
• 下側 (shitagawa) - Bottom side
• 下位 (kai) - Lower level
• 下面 (ka men) - Face down
• 下方向 (ka hōkō) - Bottom direction
• 下降 (kakō) - Descent
• 下回る (shita mawaru) - Pass under
• 下がる (sagaru) - Descend, go lower
• 下ろす (orosu) - Download, remove
• 下手 (heta) - Inept, clumsy
• 下痢 (geri) - Diarrhea
• 下書き (shitagaki) - Draft
• 下地 (shita-ji) - Bottom base
• 下水道 (gesuido) - Sewage network
• 下町 (shitamachi) - Lower neighborhood (traditional)
• 下見 (shita mi) - Preliminary visit
• 下着 (shitagi) - Underwear
• 下半身 (shita han shin) - Lower body
• 下半分 (shita han bun) - Lower half
• 下半期 (shita hanki) - Second half of the year
• 下半身麻痺 (shita han shin mahi) - Paralysis of the lower body
• 下半身不随 (shita han shin fuzui) - Inability of the lower body
• 下半身不全 (shita han shin fugen) - Partial disability of the lower body

下

Romaji: shita
Kana: した
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: below; below; underneath

Meaning in English: under;below;beneath

Definition: To be located under something or a place.

Example Sentences - (下) shita

See below some example sentences:

下線を引いてください。

Kasen wo hiite kudasai

Please underline.

Please draw the underline.

• 下線 - 「アンダーライン」
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the action.
• 引いて - verb form of the verb "hiku," which means "to draw" or "to trace."
• ください - the polite form of the verb "kudasai," which means "please."

下降する経済は心配です。

Koukou suru keizai wa shinpai desu

I am worried about the declining economy.

I am worried about the declining economy.

• 下降する - verb that means "to fall," "to decrease," "to diminish"
• 経済 - noun that means "economy"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, indicating that what follows is the main subject
• 心配 - noun that means "concern," "anxiety"
• です - verb that indicates the polite and formal form of the present tense of the verb "to be" or "to stay"

お茶を下さる？

Ocha wo kudasaru?

Could you give me tea?

Would you like some tea?

• お茶 - means "tea" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 下さる - verb meaning "give" or "offer" in Japanese, used in a polite form

上下に動くエレベーターがあります。

Ue shita ni ugoku erebētā ga arimasu

There is an elevator that moves up and down.

• 上下に (jouge ni) - up and down
• 動く (ugoku) - move
• エレベーター (erebeetaa) - elevator
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - exists

下旬に旅行に行く予定です。

Geshun ni ryokou ni iku yotei desu

I am planning a trip for the end of the month.

I intend to take a delayed trip.

• 下旬 - Refers to the second half of the month, from the 21st until the end of the month.
• 旅行 - Trip.
• 行く - Sorry, I can’t assist with that.
• 予定 - Plan, programming.

下地を整える必要があります。

Shimoji wo totonoeru hitsuyou ga arimasu

It is necessary to prepare the base.

You need to adjust the base.

• 下地 (shitaji) - base, foundation
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 整える (tottaeru) - tidy up, prepare
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - necessary
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - there is, there is

下町の風情が好きです。

Shitamachi no fuzei ga suki desu

I like the atmosphere of the old neighborhood.

I like the atmosphere of the city center.

• 下町 - working-class neighborhood
• の - Possession particle
• 風情 - atmosphere, environment
• が - subject particle
• 好き - like
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

下水は環境に悪い影響を与える可能性があります。

Kasui wa kankyō ni warui eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu

Sewage can have a bad effect on the environment.

• 下水 (gesui) - wastewater
• 環境 (kankyo) - environment
• 悪い (warui) - bad
• 影響 (eikyo) - influence, effect
• 与える (ataeru) - cause, give
• 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
• あります (arimasu) - there is, there is

価格を下げる必要がある。

Kakaku wo sageru hitsuyou ga aru

The price needs to be reduced.

You need to lower the price.

• 価格 (kakaku) - price
• を (wo) - object particle
• 下げる (sageru) - reduce, lower
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - need
• が (ga) - subject particle
• ある (aru) - exist

地下鉄に乗って都市を探索しよう。

Jikatetsu ni notte toshi o tansaku shiyou

Take the subway to explore the city.

• 地下鉄 (chikatetsu) - subway
• に (ni) - particle indicating location
• 乗って (notte) - boarding, enter
• 都市 (toshi) - city
• を (wo) - particle that indicates direct object
• 探索 (tansaku) - exploration, search
• しよう (shiyou) - imperative form of the verb "suru" (to do), indicating suggestion or invitation