What is the Kanji for "Down"?

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Down", you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for "Down" is "下".

This kanji has 4 readings:

Its kunyomi readings are "Shita" and "Kuda".

Its onyomi readings are "Ge" and "Ka".

kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.

If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:

The kanji "一" means "One" and can be read as "Ichi", "Itsu", and "Hito". And The radical "卜" means "Divination" .

Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.

What does the kanji "下" mean in japanese?

"下" means "Down".

Japanese School Students learn this kanji in First Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N5 exam.

Here are some words that use this kanji:

下さる: "Give". The verb '下さる (くださる)' means 'to give'. It is a polite form of the verb 'to give' and is used when the speaker is receiving something from someone of higher status or to whom the speaker owes respect. For example: Could you please give me that book? - (その本をください). The teacher kindly gave me the assignment. - (先生は課題を下さいました).

下: "Down". The noun '下 (した)' means 'down'. This word refers to a direction or location that is lower than the current position. It can be used to indicate a downward movement, a lower level, or the bottom of something. For example: Go down the stairs - (階段を下に下りる). The goods are stored down in the basement - (商品は地下室に下に置かれています).

下り: "Descent". The noun '下り (くだり)' refers to a descent or going down. It is used to describe the act of moving or traveling from a higher to a lower position, such as descending a mountain or going down stairs. For example: The hike down was a steep descent - (登山の下りは急な下りだった). The train started the descent into the valley - (列車が谷への下りを始めた).

年下: "Junior" or "Younger". The Japanese noun '年下 (としした)' means 'junior' or 'younger'. It refers to someone who is younger in age or lower in position or rank compared to the speaker. It can be used to describe a person's relationship or relative position in a hierarchy. For example: He is my junior - (彼は私の年下です). She is younger than me - (彼女は私の年下です).

下手: "Unskilled" or "Poor". The adjectival noun '下手 (へた)' means 'unskilled' or 'poor'. It is used to describe someone who lacks the necessary skills or proficiency to perform a task well. This word can be applied to various activities, such as sports, arts, or hobbies. For example: I'm unskilled at drawing - (私は絵を描くのが下手です). She is a poor singer - (彼女は歌が下手です).

以下: "The following". The noun '以下 (いか)' means 'the following'. It is used to introduce a list of items or points that come after it. For example: As for the details, please see the following - (詳細は以下をご覧ください). The following requirements must be met - (以下の要件を満たす必要がある).

地下鉄: "Subway". The Japanese word '地下鉄 (ちかてつ)' refers to an underground railway system, typically found in large cities. It is a type of rapid transit system that transports people efficiently through the city under the ground. This word is commonly used to describe the subway or metro systems found in many major Japanese cities like Tokyo and Osaka. For example: I took the subway to work - (仕事へ地下鉄を使いました). Let's meet at the subway station - (地下鉄の駅で会いましょう).

下げる: "Lower" or "Reduce". The verb '下げる (さげる)' means 'to lower' or 'to reduce'. It can be used to describe the action of lowering or decreasing the position, amount, or level of something. For example: I lowered the price - (値段を下げた). The temperature has lowered - (温度が下がった).

地下: "Underground". The Japanese noun '地下 (ちか)' means 'underground'. This word is used to refer to areas or spaces that are located below the surface of the ground. It can be used to describe things like subway stations, underground parking garages, basements, and other subterranean structures or locations. For example: The train station is underground - (駅は地下にあります). I parked my car in the underground garage - (私は地下駐車場に車を停めました).

下ろす: "Lower" or "Take down". The Japanese verb '下ろす (おろす)' has two main meanings: 1) to lower or descend something, such as lowering an item from a high place, and 2) to take something down, such as taking down a flag or sign. This verb is commonly used in various contexts, such as lowering a curtain, taking down a picture from a wall, or unloading cargo from a vehicle. For example: He lowered the flag - (旗を下ろした). I took down the shelf - (棚を下ろした).

靴下: "Sock". The Japanese noun '靴下 (くつした)' refers to a foot covering worn to keep the feet warm and protect them. Socks are typically made of fabric such as cotton or wool. They can come in a variety of lengths, colors, and designs. For example: He is wearing white socks - (彼は白い靴下を履いている). I need to buy new socks - (新しい靴下を買う必要がある).

下がる: "Go down" or "Decrease". The Japanese verb '下がる (さがる)' can mean 'to go down' or 'to decrease'. It is used to describe something that is moving in a downward direction or declining in amount or intensity. For example: The price of the stock went down - (株価が下がった). My fever has decreased - (熱が下がってきた).

下水: "Sewage". The Japanese noun '下水 (げすい)' means 'sewage'. It refers to the waste water and other matter that is carried away through a system of pipes and drains. '下水' is often used to describe the drainage system itself, as well as the contents that flow through it. For example: The sewage pipe was blocked - (下水管が詰まっていた). The sewage treatment plant - (下水処理場)

上下: "Going up and down". The verbal noun '上下 (じょうげ)' refers to the act of going up and down, or moving vertically. It can be used to describe the motion or movement of something, such as an elevator, escalator or a person's body. For example: The elevator's up-and-down motion - (エレベーターの上下運動). He kept moving up and down the stairs - (彼は上下階段を行ったり来たりした).

下書き: "Draft". The Japanese verbal noun '下書き (したがき)' means 'draft'. This term refers to an initial or preliminary version of a written work, before the final version is completed. It is commonly used when writing or composing something, such as an essay, article, or report. For example: I need to finish my draft before submitting the final paper - (最終版を提出する前に下書きを仕上げる必要がある). Please review my draft and provide feedback - (下書きをご確認ください)

下車: "Get off". The verbal noun '下車 (げしゃ)' means 'to get off (a vehicle)'. This term is used when someone disembarks from a train, bus, car, or any other mode of transportation. It implies leaving the vehicle and continuing one's journey on foot. For example: I got off the train at the central station - (私は中央駅で電車を下車しました). Please get off at the next stop - (次の停留所で下車してください).

部下: "Subordinate". The Japanese noun '部下 (ぶか)' means 'subordinate'. This word refers to an employee or staff member who is under the authority or supervision of another person, usually a manager or supervisor. It implies a hierarchical relationship where the '部下' is in a lower position and reports to their '上司' (boss). For example: My subordinates are very hardworking - (私の部下はとても勤勉です). I have many subordinates to manage - (私は多くの部下を管理している).

下品: "Vulgar" or "Crude". The Japanese adjective '下品 (げひん)' means 'vulgar' or 'crude'. It is used to describe behavior, language or content that is considered offensive, distasteful or lacking in social grace. This word often carries a strong negative connotation and is used to criticize something as being inappropriate or unrefined. For example: His jokes were very vulgar - (彼のジョークはとても下品だった). That magazine has a lot of crude content - (あの雑誌はとても下品な内容が多い).

廊下: "Hallway". The Japanese noun '廊下 (ろうか)' refers to a long, narrow passageway or corridor in a building, usually connecting different rooms or areas. Hallways are common architectural features found in homes, offices, schools, and other buildings. They provide access and facilitate movement between spaces. For example: The hallway leads to the bedrooms - (廊下は寝室に続いている). I walked down the long hallway - (私は長い廊下を歩いた).

下町: "Downtown". The Japanese noun '下町 (したまち)' refers to a traditional, old-fashioned downtown or city center area, often characterized by narrow streets, mom-and-pop shops, and a distinct local culture. These areas are typically contrasted with the modern, high-rise districts of a city. For example: He lives in the downtown district - (彼は下町に住んでいる). The downtown area is full of quaint shops - (下町は小さな店がたくさんある).

下る: "Descend". The verb '下る (くだる)' means 'to descend'. This verb is used to describe the action of moving from a higher place to a lower place, such as going down a hill, stairs, or a mountain. It can also be used figuratively to refer to the lowering of status or rank. For example: I will descend the mountain - (私は山を下ります). The stock prices descended today - (株価は今日下がった).

天下: "All-under-heaven". The noun '天下 (てんか)' means 'all-under-heaven'. It refers to the entire territory or world governed by a sovereign or ruler. This word is used to convey the idea of an all-encompassing or comprehensive domain of control or influence. For example: The emperor rules all-under-heaven - (天下を治める天皇). This land is known throughout all-under-heaven - (この国は天下に知られている).

下宿: "Lodging". The Japanese verbal noun '下宿 (げしゅく)' means 'lodging'. It refers to the act of staying or living in a rented room or apartment, typically as a student away from home. This term is commonly used to describe a student who lives in a rented room or apartment near their school or university, rather than living at home with their family. For example: I'm staying in a lodging near the school - (私は学校の近くの下宿に住んでいます).

下調べ: "Research". The Japanese verbal noun '下調べ (したしらべ)' means 'research'. This refers to the act of gathering information or conducting preliminary investigation about a topic before undertaking a main task or activity. It is often used when preparing for something like a presentation, meeting, or project. For example: I did thorough research before the interview - (面接の前によく下調べをした). She always does careful research before making a decision - (彼女は決断する前によく下調べをする).

下す: "Hand down" or "Give". The Japanese verb '下す (くだす)' has two main meanings. The first meaning is 'to hand down' or 'to provide', as in handing down a decision or providing a judgement. For example: The judge handed down a verdict - (裁判官は判決を下した). The second meaning is 'to give', as in giving something to someone. For example: The teacher gave the students extra homework - (先生は生徒たちに追加の宿題を下した).

下流: "Downstream". The noun '下流 (かりゅう)' refers to the part of a river or stream that is located downstream, or further away from the source. It is the opposite of '上流 (じょうりゅう)', which means 'upstream'. This term is often used in a figurative sense to refer to a decline in social or economic status, as in 'he has fallen into the downward stream'. Example: The boat drifted into the strong current of the downstream - (ボートは下流の強い潮流に流されていった).

下りる: "Descend" or "Get off". The Japanese verb '下りる (おりる)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'to descend', which refers to the action of moving from a higher position to a lower one, such as descending stairs or a mountain. The second meaning is 'to get off', which is used when someone leaves a vehicle, such as a train, bus, or car. For example: I will get off the bus here - (ここで私はバスから降ります). She descended the stairs slowly - (彼女はゆっくりと階段を降りました).

下旬: "Late". The Japanese noun '下旬 (げじゅん)' refers to the last 10 days of a month. It is used to specify the timing of an event or deadline that falls in the latter part of the month. For example: The company's fiscal year ends in the late days of December - (その会社の会計年度は12月下旬に終わる).

下記: "The following". The noun '下記 (かき)' means 'the following'. It is used to refer to a list, group or set of items that will be mentioned subsequently. It is commonly used in formal or written contexts, such as in business documents or academic papers, to introduce a list of points or items. For example: 下記の通りです - (It is as follows). Please see the following - (下記をご覧ください).

下痢: "Diarrhea". The verbal noun '下痢 (げり)' means 'diarrhea'. This term refers to a digestive condition characterized by frequent, watery bowel movements. It can be caused by various factors such as illness, food poisoning, or certain medications. This word is often used in medical contexts to describe this physiological symptom. For example: She has diarrhea - (彼女は下痢をしている). Diarrhea is a common side effect of this medication - (この薬の副作用として下痢が起こりやすい).

ぶら下がる: "Hang". The Japanese verb 'ぶら下がる (ぶらさがる)' means 'to hang'. This verb is used to describe when something, usually an object or a person, is suspended from above and swinging or dangling. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: The monkey was hanging from the tree branch - (猿が木の枝から下がっていた). He was hanging around in the lobby - (彼はロビーで寛いでいた).

ぶら下げる: "Hang". The Japanese verb 'ぶら下げる (ぶらさげる)' means 'to hang'. This verb is used to describe the action of suspending or attaching something so that it hangs down freely. It can be used for physical objects like pictures, bags, or decorations. For example: I hung the picture on the wall - (絵を壁に下げました). She hung her purse on the chair - (彼女はかばんを椅子に下げた).

目下: "Now" or "Currently". The noun '目下 (めした)' refers to the present time or current situation. It is used to indicate that something is happening or taking place at the moment. This word is commonly used in formal or polite speech to indicate the current state of affairs. For example: I am currently very busy - (目下大変忙しいです). The company's focus is now on expanding overseas - (目下当社は海外進出に力を入れています).

低下: "Decline" or "Decrease". The verbal noun '低下 (ていか)' means 'decline' or 'decrease'. It refers to a downward change or reduction in the amount, level, or quality of something. This word is commonly used to describe a drop in performance, standards, or economic indicators. For example: The company experienced a decline in sales - (その会社は売上の低下を経験した). There has been a decrease in the population - (人口が低下している).

地下道: "Underpass". The Japanese noun '地下道 (ちかどう)' refers to an 'underpass', which is an underground passage or tunnel that allows pedestrians or vehicles to cross under a road, railway, or other obstacle. This type of structure is commonly found in urban areas to facilitate the flow of traffic and make it safer for people to cross. For example: The pedestrian underpass connects the two sides of the busy street - (歩行者地下道は、混雑した道路の両側を接続している).

値下がり: "Drop" or "Decline". The verbal noun '値下がり (ねさがり)' means 'drop' or 'decline'. This term is used to describe a decrease in the price, value or cost of something. It is commonly used when discussing the stock market, economy or pricing of goods and services. For example: Stock prices experienced a sharp decline - (株価は急激な値下がりを経験した). The retail prices of electronics have seen a steady decline over the past few years - (家電の小売価格は過去数年にわたって着実な値下がりを示している).

値下げ: "Drop (in price)". The verbal noun '値下げ (ねさげ)' refers to a decrease or reduction in price. It is commonly used to describe a store or company lowering the selling price of their products or services. For example: The store had a big price drop on all items - (店は全商品の値下げを実施した). The price was dropped by 20% - (値段が20%値下げされた).

見下ろす: "Look down". The Japanese verb '見下ろす (みおろす)' means 'to look down'. This verb is used to describe the action of directing one's gaze downward, often from a higher position. It can be used to refer to literally looking down at something below, or to convey a sense of superiority or condescension. For example: From the balcony, she looked down at the people below - (バルコニーから、彼女は下の人々を見下ろした). The teacher looked down on the students who failed the test - (先生は試験に失敗した生徒たちを見下ろした).

陛下: "Majesty" or "Emperor". The Japanese noun '陛下 (へいか)' refers to the emperor or the imperial majesty. It is a formal way of addressing the emperor or a sovereign ruler. The term conveys great respect and deference. For example: May I have an audience with His Majesty? - (陛下にお目通りできますでしょうか?). The emperor attended the ceremony - (陛下がその式典に出席されました).

下着: "Underwear". The Japanese noun '下着 (したぎ)' refers to underwear or underclothing. It can be used to describe various types of undergarments worn close to the body, such as bras, panties, undershirts, and underpants. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about one's clothing or making purchases related to intimate apparel. For example: I need to buy new underwear - (下着を新しく買わないといけない). She is wearing nice underwear - (彼女は素敵な下着を着ている).

飛び下りる: "Jump down". The Japanese verb '飛び下りる (とびおりる)' means 'to jump down'. It refers to the action of jumping or leaping from a higher location to a lower one. This verb can be used to describe someone jumping from a building, tree, or other elevated position. For example: I jumped down from the tree - (私は木から飛び下りた). The climber jumped down from the cliff - (登山者は崖から飛び下りた).

下駄: "Wooden clogs". The noun '下駄 (げた)' refers to traditional Japanese wooden sandals or clogs. They are worn for traditional occasions or when wearing kimonos. The clogs have an elevated wooden base and a strap across the foot to hold them in place. They are a classic part of traditional Japanese footwear and culture. For example: I wear wooden clogs to the festival - (私は祭りに下駄を履いています).

零下: "Below zero". The Japanese noun '零下 (れいか)' means 'below zero'. It is used to refer to temperatures that are lower than 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This word is commonly used when discussing weather conditions and temperatures. For example: It's ten degrees below zero - (気温は零下10度だ). The temperature is always below zero in the winter - (冬の間は常に零下の気温だ).

To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.

But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.

Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.

This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:

The hiragana "げ" is read as "ge". The hiragana "し" is read as "shi". The hiragana "た" is read as "ta". The hiragana "く" is read as "ku". The hiragana "だ" is read as "da". And The hiragana "か" is read as "ka".

Heres a quick tutorial on how to use it. You'll be asked three type of questions: meaning, reading, and writing.

For meanings questions all you have to do is type the english meaning. If there is more than one meaning, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Reading questions you have to type the reading in romaji (roman letters, our normal alphabet) and it'll be automatically converted to hiragana if necessary. If there is more than one reading, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Writing questions some options will appear and all you have to do is select the correct ones.