Readings: カ・ゲ (Onyomi), した・しも・さがる・くだる・おりる (Kunyomi)
Meaning: below, down, under, lower
下 is a very common kanji used to describe position, direction, and levels. It appears in words like 地下 (underground), 下手 (unskilled), and 下さい (please do…).
View JLPT N5 Kanji ListKanji Details
| Radical | 一 (one) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 3 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
| Grade | 1st Grade |
Readings
| Onyomi | カ・ゲ (ka, ge) |
|---|---|
| Kunyomi | した・しも・さがる・くだる・おりる |
How to Write – Stroke Order
下 is simple to write and easy to recognize. It’s often paired with other direction or position kanji like 上 (up), 中 (middle), and 外 (outside).
- Start with the horizontal stroke 一
- Then add the vertical and the hook
Example Sentences
Japanese: テーブルの下に猫がいます。
Kana: てーぶるのしたにねこがいます。
Romaji: Teeburu no shita ni neko ga imasu.
English: There’s a cat under the table.
Japanese: 地下鉄に乗ります。
Kana: ちかてつにのります。
Romaji: Chikatetsu ni norimasu.
English: I take the subway.
Japanese: このページの下を見てください。
Kana: このぺーじのしたをみてください。
Romaji: Kono peeji no shita o mite kudasai.
English: Please look at the bottom of this page.
Vocabulary Using 下
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 下 | した | below, under |
| 下手 | へた | unskilled |
| 地下 | ちか | underground |
| 下さい | ください | please (give me) |
| 下がる | さがる | to go down |
🔗 N5 Grammar & Vocabulary
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