Lowness and decline with 低

2026年06月23日

低 conveys the meanings of low or to decrease in terms of position, degree, or value.

Etymology

This kanji is a phono-semantic compound comprised of 亻 (person) and 氐 (bottom)

低下(ていか) means a decline or drop in value, level, quality, or degree.

It combines 低 (low) with 下 (down) to show something going downward.

Jumbo helps his friend Yousuke move into his new house. After unboxing things, Yousuke stops for a break.

葉介(ようすけ):: 「なんか俺(おれ)　体力(たいりょく)低下(ていか)してんなあ…　手(て)がふるふる…」; “Man, I feel like my stamina is dropping... My hands are shaking...”
ジャンボ:: 「おまえさ　近所(きんじょ)にあいさつで配(くば)る粗品(そしな)とか用意(ようい)してるか？」; “Hey, are you preparing any little gifts to hand out to your neighbors when you go around saying hello?”