noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
putting beneath other goods; being at the bottom of the pile
Literal sense: placing something under other items, or being stacked at the bottom. Often used in logistics, storage, or moving contexts.
When moving, please don't put fragile items at the bottom of the pile.
I put the heavy boxes at the bottom and placed the light ones on top.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
lowly position; bottom of the ladder; obscurity
Figurative sense: being in a low rank, unrecognized, or at the bottom of a hierarchy. Often used in career or social contexts.
He has been living in obscurity for many years.
The hardships of his lowly days led to his current success.
Compound of 下 (した, 'under') + 積み (つみ, 'piling'). The literal meaning of stacking things underneath gave rise to the figurative sense of being in a low position.