noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
putting beneath other goods; being at the bottom of the pile
Literal sense: placing something under other items, or being stacked at the bottom. Often used in logistics, storage, or moving contexts.
引っ越しのとき、割れ物を下積みにしないでください。
When moving, please don't put fragile items at the bottom of the pile.
重い箱を下積みにして、軽いものを上に置いた。
I put the heavy boxes at the bottom and placed the light ones on top.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
lowly position; bottom of the ladder; obscurity
Figurative sense: being in a low rank, unrecognized, or at the bottom of a hierarchy. Often used in career or social contexts.
彼は長年、下積みの生活を続けてきた。
He has been living in obscurity for many years.
下積み時代の苦労が今の成功につながっている。
The hardships of his lowly days led to his current success.