下
Meanings
under (guidance, supervision, rules, the law, etc.)
Used in the pattern ...の下に or ...の下で to indicate being under someone's guidance, supervision, or the influence of rules, laws, or systems.
He conducted research under a famous professor.
Under the new law, this act becomes illegal.
under (a flag, the sun, etc.); beneath
Used for physical or metaphorical position beneath something, such as a flag, the sun, or a tree. Often in the pattern ...の下に.
They gathered under the same flag.
We played under the sun.
with (e.g. one blow); on (the promise, condition, assumption, etc. that ...); in (e.g. the name of ...)
Used in the pattern ...の下に to express doing something with a single action, or on the basis of a promise, condition, or in the name of something. Often literary or formal.
He felled his opponent with a single blow.
They gathered in the name of peace.
(someone's) side; (someone's) location
Only when written 許
Refers to being at someone's side or location. Usually written as 元 rather than 下. Cross-referenced with 元 sense 5.
See also: 元
He returned to his mother's side.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉の指導の下でunder someone's guidance/supervision
He studied painting under the guidance of a famous artist.
- 〈事〉の下にon the basis of; under the condition that ~
This contract was concluded on the basis of mutual consent.
- 同じ屋根の下でunder the same roof (living together)
We have lived under the same roof for a long time.
- 〈事〉の名の下にin the name of ~
He acted in the name of justice.
Expressions· 7
- 灯台下暗しit is darkest under the lamp post; you can't see what's right under your nose
- 法の下の平等equality before the law; equality under the law
- 阿呆の足下使いfools use people for trivial tasks
- 星の下に生まれるbe born under a star; be fated
- 白日の下にさらすbring to light; expose to the world
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- 勇将の下に弱卒なしfollowers take after their leaders; no cowardly soldiers under a brave general
- 足下へも寄りつけないbe no match for; not hold a candle to