Lowness and decline with 低
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)
Decrease
低下 (Decline)
低下 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:
- 「なんか俺 体力低下してんなあ… 手がふるふる…」
- “Man, I feel like my stamina is dropping... My hands are shaking...”
- ジャンボ:
- 「おまえさ 近所にあいさつで配る粗品とか用意してるか？」
- “Hey, are you preparing any little gifts to hand out to your neighbors when you go around saying hello?”
Rankings
低学年 (Lower grades)
低学年 means the lower school grades, usually the earlier years in elementary school.
It combines 低 (lower) with 学年 (school year) to show the lower grade levels.
Talking about drawing, Cocoa is boastful of her own ability.
- ココア:
- 「これでも金賞もらったことあるんだ」
- “Believe it or not, I've actually won a gold medal before.”
- リゼ:
- 「町内会の小学生低学年の部とかいうのはナシな」
- “And don't tell me it was in the neighborhood association's lower-elementary division.”