底
soko[so̞ko̞]
The English word 'bottom' can be translated into Japanese, and the default form is 底 (soko). Wiktionary also lists 下部 (kabu).
Meaning: lowest part (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 底 | soko | [so̞ko̞] (narrow) [te̞ː] (narrow) |
| 下部 | kabu | [ka̠bɯ̟] (narrow) [ɕimo̞be̞] (narrow) |
底 refers to the physical bottom of a container, the bottom of a body of water or a metaphorical depth, such as the bottom of one's heart. For the specific term 'ocean floor' or 'sea bottom', the compound word 海底 is more commonly used than using 底 alone.
Which one should you use?
Use 底 when referring to the physical bottom of a container, a body of water or a metaphorical depth.
How do you pronounce it?
soko
Did you know?
- While 底 means 'bottom', the phrase 底をつく (to hit the bottom) is used idiomatically to say that one has completely run out of money or resources.
- The word 下部 contains the character 部, which historically referred to a servant in the imperial court. This gives the word a formal, almost administrative weight compared to everyday descriptions.
- In certain contexts, the 'bottom' of a mountain is referred to as the 'foot' of the mountain. In Japanese, one might use 麓 (fumoto) instead of using a word related to 底.
Examples in context
- 底を持ってくれ。Grab the bottom.This sentence is useful for the command to grab the 底.Tatoeba #125528 by bunbuku, translation #278464 by CK
- 心底、言いたい。I want to say something from the bottom of my heart.This sentence shows how to use 底 to express the bottom of one's heart.Tatoeba #10008349 by small_snow, translation #10006738 by DJ_Saidez
- 船は海底に沈んだ。The ship sank to the bottom of the sea.This sentence demonstrates the use of 底 when describing the bottom of the sea.Tatoeba #141135 by bunbuku, translation #273437 by CM
- マッサージは下半身にも効果的です。Massages are also effective for the lower half of the body.
- イスに座るとおしりが痛くなった。When I sat on the chair, my bottom started to hurt.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are looking at a fish tank.
- 美咲 Misaki底に砂が溜まっているね。Soko ni suna ga tamatte iru ne.The sand is piling up at the bottom.
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。掃除したほうがいいよ。Hontou da. Souji shita hou ga ii yo.You're right. We should clean it.
- 美咲 Misaki底までしっかり洗おうか。Soko made shikkari araou ka.Shall we wash it thoroughly down to the bottom?
- 陽太 Yotaいい考えだ。手伝うよ。Ii kangae da. Tetsudau yo.Good idea. I'll help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bottom” translations and entries 底, 下部, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 下部, 底, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
