Onyomi 音読み

Kunyomi 訓読み

Explanation

Below, down, under

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Kanji Story

Imagine a person standing at the top of a staircase. They take a step 'down' and proceed to the next level. This represents the meaning of '下' as 'below' or 'down'.

Frequency in JLPT exams

The kanji '下' is a foundational character frequently encountered in JLPT materials, particularly at the N5 and N4 levels. Understanding its different readings and meanings is essential for success in the exam's kanji and reading comprehension sections.

Example Sentences

• 彼は階段を下りました。

  He went down the stairs.

  かれはかいだんをくだりました。

  kare wa kaidan o kudarimashita.

  Pronunciation

• ここから下がってください。

  Please step down from here.

  ここからさがってください。

  koko kara sagatte kudasai.

  Pronunciation

• 冷蔵庫の下に何がありますか？

  What is under the refrigerator?

  れいぞうこのしたになにがありますか？

  reizouko no shita ni nani ga arimasu ka?

  Pronunciation

Notes and Tips for JLPT students

• The kanji '下' is commonly used in various contexts, which makes it important for JLPT preparation.
• Pay attention to the different readings and their meanings. For example, '下' as 'shita' means 'below' or 'under' while '下' as 'sageru' means 'to lower' or 'to decline'.
• Practice writing the kanji to familiarize yourself with the stroke order, as this can be helpful in both kanji and reading comprehension sections of the JLPT.
• Be aware of compound words or phrases that include '下', as they can have different nuances based on the context.

Usage in Japanese Names

• The kanji '下' is sometimes used in names as a character associated with a person's position or status, such as '小下' (Kogei) which can mean 'Junior' or 'Lower'. This usage emphasizes the concept of being below or lower in hierarchy.