Translation guide
The English word "under" has many uses. This guide covers the most common meanings and how to express them naturally in Japanese, from physical position to abstract conditions.
Describing something located directly beneath another object, or moving to that position.
The most common and neutral word for "under" or "below." Used for physical location.
The cat is under the table.
本は机の下に落ちた。
The book fell under the desk.
Directly underneath, emphasizing the exact vertical position.
ランプの真下に座ってください。
Please sit directly under the lamp.
The underside or lower side of something. More specific than 下.
棚の下側に何か貼ってある。
Something is stuck to the underside of the shelf.
Indicating a quantity, age, or number that is below a certain threshold.
Means "under" or "less than or equal to" a number. Often used for age, price, etc.
この映画は12歳以下は見られません。
Children under 12 cannot watch this movie.
5000円以下で買える。
You can buy it for under 5000 yen.
Strictly "less than" (not including the number). Used in legal or formal contexts.
18歳未満は入場禁止。
No admission for those under 18.
Being governed, managed, or influenced by someone or something.
Used for working under a boss, studying under a teacher, or living under a system.
彼は有名な教授の下で研究した。
He did research under a famous professor.
新しい社長の下で会社は変わった。
The company changed under the new president.
Jurisdiction or control, often used in legal or administrative contexts.
Something is currently being built, repaired, discussed, etc.
Attached to nouns to mean "under ~" or "in the middle of ~." Very common.
そのビルは建設中です。
The building is under construction.
問題はまだ検討中だ。
The issue is still under discussion.
Emphasizes being in the very middle of an action or event.
今、会議の最中です。
We are in the middle of a meeting right now. (under meeting)
In accordance with a set of rules, a contract, or a law.
Means "based on" or "under" a rule/law. Formal.
契約に基づいて支払いが行われた。
Payment was made under the contract.
Similar to 〜の下で, but often used for abstract concepts like law or agreement.
法の下に平等である。
We are equal under the law.
Using a particular name or identity.
Used for accounts, registrations, or official names.
その本は別名義で出版された。
The book was published under a different name.
General pattern for "as" or "under the name of."
彼は「ペンネーム」として書いている。
He writes under a pen name.
Experiencing or being affected by certain conditions.
Used for being in the midst of conditions like rain, pressure, etc.
大雨の中で試合が行われた。
The game was played under heavy rain.
Also used for abstract conditions like pressure or stress.
彼は強いプレッシャーの下で働いている。
He works under a lot of pressure.
English "under" is used in many idiomatic ways that don't use 下 in Japanese. For example, "under the weather" is 体調が悪い (たいちょうがわるい), not 天気の下. Always consider the meaning first.
以下 (いか) includes the number ("≤"), while 未満 (みまん) excludes it ("<"). For example, 18歳以下 means 18 and under, while 18歳未満 means under 18 (17 and below).
猫がテーブルの下にいる。
The cat is under the table.
12歳以下は入れません。
Children under 12 cannot enter.
彼は有名な教授の下で研究した。
He studied under a famous professor.
道路は工事中です。
The road is under construction.
この地域は市の管轄下にある。
This area is under the jurisdiction of the city.