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:

稍微休息一下吧。

Shoumi kyuusoku hitotsu kudasai

Rest a little.

Rest a little.

• 稍微 - a little
• 休息 - descansar
• 一下 - for a moment
• 吧 - particle that indicates suggestion or request

下りの坂道を歩くのは大変です。

Kudari no sakamichi wo aruku no wa taihen desu

Descer uma colina é difícil.

É difícil caminhar pela ladeira.

• 下りの坂道 - descida de uma colina
• を - object particle
• 歩く - to walk
• のは - Topic particle
• 大変 - difícil, árduo
• です - verb to be, to stay

下位のポジションから上を目指す。

Kawai no pojishon kara ue o mezasu

Aiming high from a lower position.

Aim from the bottom position.

• 下位 - means "lower position".
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words.
• ポジション - a word borrowed from English meaning "position".
• から - particle indicating origin or starting point.
• 上 - means "superior".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 目指す - verb meaning "to aim for" or "to aim at".

鉱山は豊かな地下資源を持っています。

Kōzan wa yutaka na chikashigen'yō o motte imasu

Mines have abundant underground resumes.

The mine has rich underground resources.

• 鉱山 - everyone
• は - Topic particle
• 豊かな - rich
• 地下 - subterranean
• 資源 - resources
• を - direct object particle
• 持っています - have

山から下る。

Yama kara kudaru

Descendo da montanha.

Desça a montanha.

• 山 - montanha
• から - of
• 下る - descer

天下を取る

Tenka wo toru

Conquer the world.

take the world

• 天下 - means "the world" or "the whole nation"
• を - object particle
• 取る - means "to take", "to conquer" or "to win"

地下水は大切な資源です。

Chikasui wa taisetsu na shigen desu

Groundwater is an important resource.

Groundwater is an important resource.

• 地下水 - Groundwater
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 大切な - important
• 資源 - resource
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

以下のようにお願いします。

Ijou no you ni onegaishimasu

Por favor, faça como segue abaixo.

Por favor, pergunte o seguinte.

• 以下 - significa "abaixo" em japonês
• のように - significa "como" em japonês
• お願いします - significa "por favor" em japonês

下らない話をするな。

Shitaranai hanashi wo suru na

Don't talk about trivial things.

Não fale sobre isso.

• 下らない - adjetivo que significa "insignificante", "sem valor"
• 話 - substantivo que significa "conversa", "história"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• する - verbo que significa "fazer", "realizar"
• な - partícula que indica uma ordem ou proibição

下着を買いに行きます。

Shitagi wo kai ni ikimasu

Vou comprar roupas íntimas.

Vou comprar roupas íntimas.

• 下着 (したぎ) - roupa íntima
• を - direct object particle
• 買い (かい) - buy
• に - target particle
• 行きます (いきます) - ir