Translation guide
The English word "below" is used to describe a lower position, a lower level in text or speech, or a lower rank or amount. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 下 (した), but the natural choice depends heavily on context, including whether you are referring to physical location, text, temperature, or hierarchy.
To say that something is physically located under or beneath something else.
The most common and versatile word for 'below' in a physical sense. It can be used as a noun or with particles like に, で, の.
猫が机の下にいる。
The cat is under the desk.
本は棚の下の段にある。
The book is on the shelf below.
Means 'directly below' or 'right under'. Use when emphasizing that something is exactly underneath.
A more formal or written term for 'lower direction' or 'downward'. Often used in technical descriptions.
To refer to something mentioned later in a text, or located further down on a page or screen.
Means 'below' or 'the following' in the context of text or numbers. Commonly used in formal writing and instructions.
詳細は以下をご覧ください。
Please see below for details.
以下の表に示す。
Shown in the table below.
Very similar to 以下, but specifically means 'noted below' or 'mentioned below'. Common in business documents and emails.
下記の通りご連絡いたします。
We will contact you as noted below.
A casual way to say 'the one below' or 'the lower one' when referring to items in a list or on a page. Often used in conversation.
下のリンクをクリックしてください。
Please click the link below.
To express that something is less than a certain number, level, or standard.
Attached to a number or noun to mean 'below or equal to' (≤). In everyday use, it often implies 'less than or equal to', but context can make it strictly 'less than'. For clarity, 未満 (みまん) means 'strictly less than'.
Be careful: 以下 includes the number itself (e.g., 18歳以下 includes 18-year-olds). Use 未満 (みまん) for 'strictly less than'.
気温が零度以下になった。
The temperature fell below zero.
この映画は18歳以下は見られません。
This movie cannot be seen by those below 18 years old.
A verb meaning 'to fall below' a certain standard or number. Often used in economic or statistical contexts.
Means 'less than' (strictly, not including the number). Used with numbers.
To describe a location that is further down a river, slope, or road.
Means 'downstream' or 'lower reaches of a river'. Can also be used metaphorically.
その町は川の下流にある。
The town is located downstream on the river.
Means 'lower part' or 'downward direction', often used in contrast to 上手 (かみて, upper part). Can refer to the lower part of a slope or the area away from the center.
舞台の下手から登場する。
Enter from stage left (the lower part of the stage).
以下 (いか) means 'at or below' (≤), while 未満 (みまん) means 'strictly below' (<). For example, 18歳以下 includes 18-year-olds, but 18歳未満 does not. This distinction is important in legal and formal contexts.
While 下 (した) is the most direct translation, it is only used for physical positions. For text, use 以下 (いか) or 下記 (かき). For numbers, use 以下 or 未満. Using 下 in these contexts can sound unnatural.
下に署名してください。
Please sign below.
電灯の真下に立ってください。
Please stand directly below the light.
Please scroll to the lower part of the screen.
売上が予想を下回った。
Sales fell below expectations.
Those under 18 are not allowed to enter.