Japanese word

下町

Pronunciation

Romajishitamachi

Meaning

  • noundowntown neighborhood

Example

この下町は昔の雰囲気が残っています。ko no shita machi wa mukashi no fun i ki ga noko tte i ma su

This downtown neighborhood retains its old atmosphere.

Illustration for 下町 (downtown neighborhood)

More examples

祖父は下町で長く暮らしていました。so fu wa shita machi de naga ku ku ra shi te i ma shi ta

My grandfather lived in a downtown neighborhood for many years.

Core concept

It refers to a lower urban neighborhood where long-established shops, workshops, and close local ties give the area a traditional character.

Common phrases

  • 下町の風情shita machi no fu zei

    the old-fashioned charm of a downtown neighborhood

  • 下町文化shita machi bun ka

    downtown culture

  • 下町で育つshita machi de soda tsu

    grow up in a downtown neighborhood

Definition in Japanese

都市の低地に発達した、商店や職人の仕事場が多く、庶民的な雰囲気を持つ昔ながらの市街地。to shi no tei chi ni hat tatsu shi ta shō ten ya shoku nin no shi goto ba ga ō ku sho min teki na fun i ki o mo tsu mukashi na ga ra no shi gai chi

Word origin

下町 (shitamachi) is formed from 下 (shita, "lower") and 町 (machi, "town"); the name reflects its traditional contrast with 山の手 (yamanote, "the uplands").

Usage tips

  • The word 下町 (shitamachi) often describes a neighborhood atmosphere as well as a location, especially when old shops, crafts, and familiar local streets are emphasized.

Opposites

  • 山の手yamanoteuptownnoun

Related words

  • 下町っ子shitamachikkodowntown nativenoun

Word lists with this word