Translation guide
Describes something of low status, rank, or humble position. Can refer to people, jobs, or attitudes. Japanese expresses this through adjectives, nouns, and set phrases, often with nuances of humility or social inferiority.
Describing a person, position, or job that is not prestigious or is at the bottom of a hierarchy.
General adjective for 'low' in status, rank, or level. Commonly used with words like 地位 (status) or 身分 (social standing).
He holds a lowly position in the company.
Means 'lowly' in a negative sense: base, vulgar, or mean. Can describe character or birth. Stronger and more judgmental than 低い.
He was born into a lowly station.
Literary term for low birth or humble origins. Rare in modern conversation.
He is not ashamed of his lowly origins.
Expressing one's own lowly status humbly, often in formal or polite contexts.
Referring to menial work or a humble occupation.
低い (hikui) is a neutral, general term for 'low' in status, rank, or level. 卑しい (iyashii) carries a strong negative connotation of being base, vulgar, or contemptible. Use 低い for objective descriptions; reserve 卑しい for moral judgments or literary effect.
English 'lowly' can be an adverb (e.g., 'bow lowly'), but Japanese does not use the same adjective as an adverb. Instead, use phrases like 低く (hikuku) for physical lowness, or 謙虚に (kenkyo ni) for humble behavior.
It is presumptuous of a lowly person like me to say this, but...
Specifically means 'menial work' or 'subordinate tasks'. Often used for low-ranking assistants.
He rose from a lowly job.