noun
lower part; foot; lower direction
General spatial term for the lower portion or direction of something. Often used in contrast with 上手 (かみて), 'upper part'.
川の下手の方に橋がある。
There is a bridge downstream.
noun
stage right (actor's POV); left part of the stage (audience's POV)
Theatrical term. From the audience's perspective, it is the left side of the stage; from the actor's perspective, it is the right side. Opposite of 上手 (かみて).
俳優は下手から登場した。
The actor entered from stage right.
Compound of 下 (しも, 'lower') + 手 (て, 'hand; direction'). The theatrical sense derives from the traditional stage layout where the lower-ranked side was stage right.