Japanese word

低下

Pronunciation

Romajiteika

Meaning

  • noundecrease

Example

気温が低下しています。ki on ga tei ka shi te i ma su

The temperature is decreasing.

Illustration for 低下 (decrease)

More examples

長時間の勉強で、集中力の低下に気づきました。chō ji kan no ben kyō de shū chū ryoku no tei ka ni ki zu ki ma shi ta

I noticed a decline in my concentration after studying for a long time.

Core concept

Describes a movement to a lower level, whether in amount, degree, or condition.

Common phrases

  • 低下するtei ka su ru

    decrease

  • 体力の低下tai ryoku no tei ka

    a decline in physical strength

  • 低下の原因tei ka no gen in

    the cause of a decrease

Similar words

減少genshō: A reduction in amount, number, or size.
下落geraku: A fall in price, value, or level.
下降kakō: A movement from a higher position or level to a lower one.
減退gentai: A gradual weakening of strength, activity, or function.

Definition in Japanese

数量・程度・状態などが、以前より下がること。sū ryō tei do jō tai na do ga i zen yo ri sa ga ru ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 低下 (teika) combines 低 (tei, "low") and 下 (ka, "down"), giving the sense of becoming lower.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 低下 (teika) sounds more formal than 下がる (sagaru), which commonly describes a falling temperature or skill level.

Other meanings

  • deteriorationnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word