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:

経済の低下が心配です。

Keizai no teika ga shinpai desu

Estou preocupado com a queda da economia.

Estou preocupado com o declínio na economia.

• 経済 - economy
• の - Possessive particle
• 低下 - declínio, queda
• が - subject particle
• 心配 - preocupação
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

未満の年齢は飲酒禁止です。

Miman no nenrei wa inshukinshi desu

Consumption of alcohol is prohibited for minors.

Drinking is prohibited for the age of under.

• 未満の年齢 - age below
• は - Topic particle
• 飲酒禁止 - prohibited from drinking alcohol
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

土台は建物の基礎です。

Daidai wa tatemono no kiso desu

The base is the basics of the building.

• 土台 (dodai) - base, foundation
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 建物 (tatemono) - building, construction
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 基礎 (kiso) - foundation, base
• です (desu) - verb to be, to stay

本国の文化は多様で美しいです。

Honkoku no bunka wa tayou de utsukushii desu

A cultura do país de origem é diversa e bonita.

• 本国 - significa "país de origem" ou "país natal".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 文化 - refere-se à cultura de um povo ou nação.
• は - partícula que indica o tema principal da frase.
• 多様 - means "diverse" or "varied".
• で - particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done.
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• です - verbo "ser" na forma educada ou formal.

私の境遇は良くないです。

Watashi no kyōguu wa yokunai desu

My situation is not good.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 境遇 - Noun meaning "situation" or "condition" in Japanese.
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 良くない - adjective meaning "bad" or "not good" in Japanese
• です - linking verb that indicates formality and courtesy in the Japanese language