足元
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
at one's feet; underfoot; step
Refers to the area around one's feet or the ground one stands on. Often used in warnings or descriptions of footing.
Please watch your step.
It was dark and I couldn't see my feet.
Describes the manner or speed of walking. Often used with adjectives like しっかりした or 速い.
He walks with a steady gait.
He's drunk and unsteady on his feet.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Used in financial or competitive contexts to describe the latest situation, such as recent stock prices or a rival's current position. Often appears as 足元の～.
Recent business performance is solid.
The current stock price is stable.
Usage patterns
- 足元に気をつけるto watch one's step / be careful of one's footing
The road is dark at night, so please watch your step.
- 足元がふらつくone's steps are unsteady; to stagger
He had drunk too much and was staggering on his feet.
- 足元の〈事〉the current/latest state of (a market, situation, etc.)
The current economy is better than expected.
- 足元が悪いthe footing/ground is bad (uneven, slippery, etc.)
The ground is slippery from the rain, so be careful not to fall.
- 足元がしっかりしているto have a steady, firm gait
Even in old age, his gait is still steady and firm.
Expressions· 7
- 足元を見るtake advantage of someone's weakness; size up a customer to overcharge
- 足元をすくうtrip someone up; pull the rug out from under
- 足元に付け込むtake advantage of someone's weakness
- 足元に火が付くbe in imminent danger; danger is close at hand
- 足元にも及ばないbe no match for; can't hold a candle to
Show 2 moreShow fewer
- 足元の明るいうちにwhile it's still light; before dark · while the going is good; before things get worse
- 地球規模で考え、足元から行動せよthink globally, act locally