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.
猫がテーブルの下にいる。
The cat is under the table.
The book fell under the desk.
Directly underneath, emphasizing the exact vertical position.
Please sit directly under the lamp.
The underside or lower side of something. More specific than 下.
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.
Children under 12 cannot watch this movie.
You can buy it for under 5000 yen.
Strictly "less than" (not including the number). Used in legal or formal contexts.
No admission for those under 18.
Being governed, managed, or influenced by someone or something.
Something is currently being built, repaired, discussed, etc.
In accordance with a set of rules, a contract, or a law.
Using a particular name or identity.
Experiencing or being affected by certain conditions.
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).
The cat is under the table.
Children under 12 cannot enter.
He studied under a famous professor.
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.