noun
groundwork; foundation; preparation
Refers to the preparatory work, base, or underlying conditions that make something possible. Often used in abstract contexts like 下地を作る (lay the groundwork).
成功の下地は日々の努力にある。
The foundation of success lies in daily effort.
He had a grounding in music from a young age.
noun
aptitude; inclination; elementary knowledge
Describes a natural bent or basic knowledge that serves as a starting point. Often used with ～がある or ～ができている.
彼女には語学の下地がある。
She has an aptitude for languages.
数学の下地ができていないと、物理は難しい。
If you don't have a basic grounding in math, physics is difficult.
noun
Used in painting, plastering, and similar crafts for the base layer applied before the finish coat.
壁に下地を塗ってから、ペンキを塗ります。
Apply an undercoat to the wall before painting.
noun
Archaic or specialized term for soy sauce, often seen in the compound お下地. Rare in modern everyday use.
See also: お下地
昔は醤油のことを「下地」と呼ぶことがあった。
In the past, soy sauce was sometimes called 下地.