Japanese grammar
What does ～の下で mean? Japanese grammar N2
～の下で means under (someone's guidance); under the condition of….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + の下（もと）で N + の下（もと）に |
| Romaji | nomotode |
| Meaning | under (someone's guidance); under the condition of… |
Forming it
| Condition | 厳しい管理 → 厳しい管理の下で |
|---|---|
| Guiding person | 先生 → 先生の下で |
How to use it
States an overarching INFLUENCE or condition under which an action takes place. Written style.
- 「Nの下で」 is read 「のもとで」 (not 「のしたで」, which means the physical position below) = under N's guidance/condition.
- N is usually a person with authority or an abstract condition: 先生・指導・法律・管理・条件.
- Only attaches to a NOUN. Only a physical position uses 「の下（した）で」: 「木の下で休む」.
Examples
田中先生の下で、三年間研究を続けた。
I continued research for three years under Professor Tanaka.
厳しい管理の下で、製品が作られている。
The products are made under strict management.
Keep in mind
- Read 「もと」 when it's a condition/influence.
- Only attaches to a noun.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong田中先生の下で、研究を続けた。
I continued my research under Professor Tanaka's guidance.
Correct田中先生の下で、研究を続けた。
An abstract condition/influence (a teacher's guidance) must be read 「もと」, not 「した」.
-
Wrong勉強するの下で、成績が上がった。
Under the teacher's guidance, my grades went up.
Correct先生の指導の下で、成績が上がった。
Only attaches to a noun.
Exam tips
- 「の下（もと）で」 = under guidance/a condition; a physical position is 「した」.