Japanese word

低い

Pronunciation

Romajihikui

Meaning

  • i-adjectivelow

Example

この机は低いです。ko no tsukue wa hiku i de su

This desk is low.

Illustration for 低い (low)

More examples

このいすは低いです。ko no i su wa hiku i de su

This chair is low.

この椅子は子どもにも使いやすいように、低く作られています。ko no i su wa ko do mo ni mo tsuka i ya su i yō ni hiku ku tsuku ra re te i ma su

This chair is designed to be low so that even children can use it easily.

Core concept

Describes something as below the usual or expected height, position, or level.

Common phrases

  • 低い声hiku i koe

    low voice

  • 背が低いse ga hiku i

    be short

  • 低い棚hiku i tana

    low shelf

  • 低い位置hiku i i chi

    low position

Definition in Japanese

基準となる位置や水準より下にあるさま。ki jun to na ru i chi ya sui jun yo ri shita ni a ru sa ma

Word origin

低い (hikui) is the modern form of the older adjective 低し (hikushi), and it is written with 低 (tei, "low"), which matches its meaning.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 声が低い (koe ga hikui) refers to a low-pitched voice, not necessarily a quiet voice.

Other meanings

  • shorti-adjective
  • deepi-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 低さhikusalow heightnoun

Word lists with this word