Japanese word

足元

Pronunciation

Romajiashimoto

Meaning

  • nounat one's feet

Example

荷物を足元に置きます。ni motsu o ashi moto ni o ki ma su

I put my bag at my feet.

Illustration for 足元 (at one's feet)

More examples

階段では足元をよく見ます。kai dan de wa ashi moto o yo ku mi ma su

I watch my step carefully on stairs.

Core concept

Centers on the space directly below or around a person's feet, and by extension the ground that supports their stance.

Common phrases

  • 足元に気をつけるashi moto ni ki o tsu ke ru

    watch one's step

Definition in Japanese

足の下やその近く。また、立っている場所の状態。ashi no shita ya so no chika ku ma ta ta tte i ru ba sho no jō tai

Word origin

足 (ashi, "foot") combines with 元 (moto, "base") to form 足元 (ashimoto), literally the base or area of the feet.

Usage tips

  • In everyday signs, 足元注意 (ashimoto chūi) marks a place where people should watch the ground near their feet.

Other meanings

  • underfootnoun
  • one's footingnoun

Word lists with this word