Translation guide
How to express that something drops under a certain level, standard, or expectation in Japanese.
To say a value, amount, or measurement goes under a specific number or level.
Standard, neutral way to say something falls below a numerical standard or previous figure. Used in news, business, and daily conversation.
気温が零度を下回った。
The temperature fell below zero.
To express that performance, quality, or behavior does not meet a required level.
Formal and clear. Often used in official contexts like test scores, requirements, or criteria.
彼の能力は要求水準に達していない。
His ability falls below the required standard.
Also works for abstract standards, not just numbers. Neutral tone.
To describe something moving downward past a certain point, like water level or an object sinking.
General verb for dropping below a reference point. Intransitive.
水位が危険ラインより下がった。
The water level fell below the danger line.
Simple, everyday phrase meaning 'go under N'. Can be used for physical position.
Both mean 'fall below', but 下回る is more formal and often used with numbers in reports. 以下になる is more conversational and can be used for everyday situations.
売上が前年を下回った。
Sales fell below the previous year.
気温が10度以下になった。
The temperature fell below 10 degrees.
The English verb 'fall' does not always translate to 落ちる (ochiru) in these contexts. 落ちる is for physical falling, not for dropping below a standard. Use 下回る or 以下になる instead.
会社の利益は前年を下回った。
The company's profits fell below last year's.
点数が60点を下回ると不合格です。
If your score falls below 60, you fail.
This month's sales fell below the target.
Literally 'become N or below'. Slightly more casual than 下回る. Often used when the threshold is a clear boundary.
体重が50キロ以下になった。
My weight fell below 50 kg.
Common in financial or statistical contexts, e.g., stock prices, percentages. Slightly more dramatic nuance.
日経平均が3万円を割った。
The Nikkei average fell below 30,000 yen.
結果は期待を下回った。
The results fell below expectations.
Literally 'does not reach N'. Often used in comparisons, implying inferiority. Somewhat formal/literary.
彼の技術はプロには及ばない。
His skill falls below that of a professional.
The ball fell below the water's surface.
成績が基準を下回った。
The grades fell below the standard.
成績が基準を下回った。
The grades fell below the standard.