下
shita
The Japanese word for 'under' is 下, pronounced shita.
下 is used to describe a position at a lower level than something else.
Meaning: at a lower level than (prep)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
shita
Did you know?
- Japanese uses 下 in the term 下ネタ (shimo-neta) to describe 'dirty' or 'lewd' jokes, as these are associated with the lower part of the body.
- The reading shimo is used in the term 下手 (shita-te/shimo-te), which refers to a 'bad' or 'unskilled' person, literally meaning 'lower hand'.
- In traditional Japanese theater, the 下手 (shimote) is the stage-left side, which is traditionally considered the 'lower' or less prestigious side.
Examples in context
- ベッドの下よ。It's under the bed.This sentence is useful for specifying a location under a bed using 下.Tatoeba #11041833 by small_snow, translation #2713722 by CK
- 彼は私の部下だ。He works under me.This sentence illustrates the use of 下 in a professional hierarchy context.Tatoeba #105698 by bunbuku, translation #297989 by CH
- テーブルの下よ。It's under the table.This sentence is useful for specifying a location under a table using 下.Tatoeba #202412 by small_snow, translation #39623 by CK
- 本は机の下にあります。The book is under the desk.
- 170 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student is looking for a lost pen under a desk.
- 大翔 Hiroto机の下にペンがありますか？Tsukue no shita ni pen ga arimasu ka?Is there a pen under the desk?
- 陽葵 Himariいえ、ありません。Ie, arimasen.No, there isn't.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さん、机の下を見てください。Himari-san, tsukue no shita o mite kudasai.Himari, please look under the desk.
- 陽葵 Himariあ、ありました！A, arimashita!Oh, I found it!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
