底辺
Meanings
base of a polygon
Geometry term for the side treated as the base of a triangle or other polygon.
Find the length of the base of the triangle.
bottom of the social scale; lower levels; lower classes
Used for the lowest layer of a social, economic, or organizational hierarchy. In social contexts it can sound harsh, stigmatizing, or critical.
He worked desperately to escape the bottom of society.
Refers to the broad supporting base or foundation of something, often in phrases such as 底辺を支える or 底辺を拡大する. The image may overlap with a lower layer that supports the whole.
Developing local clubs is important for expanding the base of the sport.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉の底辺the base (side) of a shape
Find the length of the base of the triangle.
- 社会の底辺the bottom of society
He has lived hard at the bottom of society.
- 〈事〉の底辺を支えるto support the base/foundation of something
Small and medium-sized businesses support the base of the economy.
- 〈事〉の底辺を拡大するto widen the base of a field or activity
Efforts are underway to widen the base of people participating in sports.