Explore Words Kanji Grammar Guides

Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Get the Kotomora apps for iOS and Android.

Explore Words Kanji Grammar Guides About Support Privacy

Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

目下 (めした, meshita) Japanese meaning: subordinate | Kotomora

目め下した

め

し

た

○

Common word›JLPTN2›Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

subordinate; inferior; junior

Refers to someone lower in rank, position, or age, especially in workplace or hierarchical contexts. Often used in contrast with 目上 (superior).

See also: 目上 · 部下

彼かれ

は

目め

下した

の

意い

見けん

に

も

耳みみ

を

傾かたむ

ける

。

He listens to the opinions of his subordinates as well.

目め下したの者ものに優やさしく接せっする。

Treat those under you kindly.

Usage patterns

〈人ひと〉を目め下したとして扱あつかうto treat someone as a subordinate
彼かれはいつも同どう僚りょうを目め下したとして扱あつかう。
He always treats his coworkers as subordinates.
目め下したの〈人ひと〉a person who is one's junior/subordinate
彼かの女じょは目め下したの社しゃ員いんにも丁てい寧ねいに話はなす。
She speaks politely even to junior employees.

Kanji

目eye, class, look
下below, down, descend

Related words

部ぶ下かN2
部下 specifically means a subordinate within an organization, while 目下 is broader and can also refer to someone simply younger or lower in social standing.
後こう輩はいN3
後輩 refers to a junior in the same school or organization based on entry order, whereas 目下 more generally covers anyone of lower rank or age.

Opposites

目め上うえN2
目下 refers to someone lower in rank or age, while 目上 refers to someone higher in rank or age.

Don't confuse with

目もっ下かN1
目下 read めした means a subordinate or junior person, while the same kanji read もっか means 'at present' or 'currently'.

Built from

目め+下した

Etymology

Compound of 目 (eye, perspective) and 下 (below), literally 'below the eye', referring to someone of lower standing.