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A2 adverb Neutral 2 min de lectura

低く

hikuku /çhi̥kɯ/
Practícalo

Overview

The Japanese word '低く' (pronounced 'hikuku') is an adverbial form derived from the adjective '低い' (hikui), meaning 'low,' 'short,' or 'humble.' The transformation from '低い' to '低く' involves changing the final 'い' (i) sound to 'く' (ku), which is a common grammatical pattern for converting i-adjectives into adverbs in Japanese. This adverbial form serves to modify verbs, other adverbs, or even entire clauses, indicating that an action is performed 'in a low manner,' 'at a low level,' or 'to a low degree.'

'低く' can be used in various contexts to convey different nuances. For instance, when describing sound, '低く歌う' (hikuku utau) means 'to sing lowly' or 'to sing in a low voice.' In a physical sense, '低く構える' (hikuku kamaeru) could mean 'to hold oneself low' or 'to take a low stance,' often implying humility or readiness for action. It can also describe the position of something, such as '低く飛ぶ' (hikuku tobu), meaning 'to fly low.'

Furthermore, '低く' can extend metaphorically to describe abstract concepts. For example, if someone is '低く評価される' (hikuku hyouka sareru), it means they are 'evaluated lowly' or 'underestimated.' This demonstrates how the word transcends its literal meaning of physical lowness to encompass notions of status, quality, or regard. The versatility of '低く' lies in its ability to quantify or qualify an action or state with a sense of diminished intensity, position, or value.

Understanding the grammatical transformation from an i-adjective to its adverbial form is crucial for grasping the function of '低く.' This pattern allows for a more dynamic and nuanced expression in Japanese, enabling speakers to describe how an action is performed rather than just what the action is. The word '低く' is therefore a fundamental component of Japanese grammar, essential for constructing more descriptive and precise sentences.

Ejemplos

1

低く評価される。

General

To be underestimated.

2

姿勢を低くする。

Physical action

To lower one's posture.

3

声が低く響く。

Sound description

A voice reverberates lowly.

4

低く見積もる。

Estimation

To underestimate.

5

低く飛ぶ鳥。

Movement

A bird flying low.

Colocaciones comunes

低く評価する
低く見る
低く設定する
低く見積もる

Se confunde a menudo con

低く vs 低級 (teikyuu)
Refers to low class, vulgarity, or something of poor quality.
低く vs 低い (hikui)
This is the adjective form, meaning 'low' or 'short' (in height). '低く' is the adverbial form.

Patrones gramaticales

低くする (hikuku suru): To lower something, to make something low. 低くなる (hikuku naru): To become low, to get lower. 低く見える (hikuku mieru): To look low.

Cómo usarlo

Notas de uso

'低く' (hikuku) is the adverbial form of the adjective '低い' (hikui), meaning 'low.' As an adverb, it modifies verbs and adjectives, indicating that an action is performed at a low level, in a low manner, or that something is in a low state. For example, '声を低くする' (koe o hikuku suru) means 'to lower one's voice,' '姿勢を低くする' (shisei o hikuku suru) means 'to lower one's posture,' and '評価が低く見られる' (hyōka ga hikuku mirareru) means 'to be seen as having a low evaluation.' It can also be used figuratively, such as '腰を低くする' (koshi o hikuku suru), which literally means 'to lower one's hips' but is a common idiom meaning 'to be humble' or 'to defer.' When referring to quality or status, it can be used to describe something as being of poor quality or having low standing, like '品質が低く' (hinshitsu ga hikuku - low in quality) or '地位が低く' (chii ga hikuku - low in status). The nuance of 'lowly' can range from a neutral description of height or level to a more evaluative statement about quality or social standing, so context is crucial for accurate interpretation.

Errores comunes

One common mistake is confusing '低く' (hikuku) with similar-sounding but different words like '低い' (hikui - the adjective 'low'), '低さ' (hikusa - the noun 'lowness'), or '下' (shita - which can mean 'down' or 'below' but is a different concept). '低く' specifically functions as an adverb, indicating that an action is performed in a low manner or to a low degree. Another mistake can be misusing the particle; for example, trying to use '低く' directly as a noun, which would be incorrect. It's crucial to remember its adverbial function and how it modifies verbs or adjectives. Additionally, sometimes learners might mistakenly use it in contexts where a different word like '少なく' (sukunaku - 'few/little' often in quantity) or '弱く' (yowaku - 'weakly') would be more appropriate, depending on the nuance of 'low' being conveyed (e.g., low in volume vs. low in strength).

Consejos

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Usage Tip

'低く' (hikuku) is the adverbial form of the adjective '低い' (hikui), meaning 'low'. It's used to describe an action performed in a low manner or at a low level. For instance, '声を低くする' (koe o hikuku suru) means 'to lower one's voice', and '姿勢を低くする' (shisei o hikuku suru) means 'to lower one's posture'.
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Common Pitfall

While '低く' directly translates to 'lowly' or 'at a low level,' it's crucial to understand the context. It doesn't carry the negative connotation of 'lowly' in English, as in 'of low social status.' Instead, it purely refers to physical height or intensity. For example, using '低く' to describe someone's social standing would be incorrect; you'd use terms like '身分が低い' (mibun ga hikui) for that.
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Mastery Insight

To truly master '低く,' practice using it with various verbs. Think about how you would describe actions done at a low level: '低く飛ぶ' (hikuku tobu - to fly low), '低く構える' (hikuku kamaeru - to take a low stance), or '低く見積もる' (hikuku mitsumoru - to underestimate). Recognizing its versatility in describing how an action is performed will deepen your understanding.

Origen de la palabra

The word '低く' (hikuku) is derived from the adjective '低い' (hikui), meaning 'low'. The '-ku' ending is an adverbial form used to modify verbs or other adjectives, indicating the manner or extent of an action or quality. The root '低' (tei) itself is a common character in Japanese and Chinese, broadly referring to lowness, inferiority, or humility. Its origins can be traced back to ancient pictographic representations of something close to the ground or below a certain standard. Over centuries, its usage evolved to encompass various shades of meaning related to height, status, volume, and quality. In classical Japanese, the concept of 'lowness' was often tied to social hierarchy and respect. The adverbial form '低く' specifically emphasizes the action or state of being low or performing something in a low manner. For example, '低く飛ぶ' (hikuku tobu) means 'to fly low', and '声を低くする' (koe o hikuku suru) means 'to lower one's voice'. The grammatical structure and the core meaning have remained relatively consistent throughout the history of the Japanese language, adapting to new contexts while retaining its fundamental sense of a diminished or reduced state or position.

Contexto cultural

In Japanese culture, the concept of 'lowly' or 'at a low level' (低く - hikuku) often carries nuances related to social hierarchy, humility, and the emphasis on collective harmony. Historically, Japanese society was structured with clear social strata, and one's position (or 'level') significantly influenced their interactions and opportunities. While modern Japan has evolved, remnants of these historical attitudes can still be observed. For instance, demonstrating humility and avoiding overt self-promotion are generally valued, and someone who behaves 'humbly' or 'lowly' in a social context might be seen as respectful. This can contrast with some Western cultures where assertiveness and individual achievement are often highly praised. However, 'lowly' can also refer to something being of low quality or status, carrying a negative connotation, similar to English. The specific interpretation often depends heavily on the context of its use and the speaker's intent.

Truco para recordar

Visualize something 'lowly' or 'at a low level' to remember '低く' (hikuku). For example, imagine a small, humble plant growing close to the ground, or a person bowing very low in a respectful manner. You can also associate the kanji '低' with a 'person' (人) standing 'below' (T) a 'roof' (一) or a 'ceiling'. The 'く' (ku) ending often indicates an adverb, modifying a verb or adjective to show *how* something is done (e.g., 'speaking *lowly*').

Preguntas frecuentes

4 preguntas
'低く' (hikuku) is a Japanese adverb derived from the adjective '低い' (hikui), meaning 'low'. When used as '低く', it generally means 'lowly', 'at a low level', 'in a low position', or 'humble'. It can describe a physical state, like an object being placed low, or a more abstract concept, such as speaking in a low voice or holding a low social status. The nuance often depends on the context in which it is used. It implies a state of being below a certain standard or reference point, whether literally or figuratively.
'低く' is typically used to modify verbs or adjectives, indicating the manner or degree of an action or state. For example, in '声が低く響く' (koe ga hikuku hibiku), it means 'the voice echoes low'. Another common usage is '姿勢を低くする' (shisei o hikuku suru), which means 'to lower one's posture'. It can also describe a condition, such as '評価が低く出る' (hyouka ga hikuku deru), meaning 'the evaluation comes out low'. Its versatility allows it to be applied in various situations, from describing physical attributes to emotional or social states.
Yes, '低く' can sometimes carry negative connotations, especially when referring to qualities, standards, or social standing. For instance, '評価が低い' (hyouka ga hikui) means 'the evaluation is low', which is generally undesirable. Similarly, '地位が低い' (chii ga hikui) means 'the status is low', implying a less favorable position. However, it's not exclusively negative. In contexts like '声を低くする' (koe o hikuku suru, to lower one's voice), it might simply be a neutral description of an action, or even indicate politeness or stealth. The specific context is crucial for determining its full implication.
Indeed, '低く' appears in several common phrases. One such example is '頭を低くする' (atama o hikuku suru), which literally means 'to lower one's head' but is often used idiomatically to express humility, deference, or apology. Another phrase is '腰を低くする' (koshi o hikuku suru), meaning 'to lower one's hips', which signifies being humble, polite, and approachable, especially in service or business interactions. These phrases highlight how '低く' can convey not just physical lowness but also abstract concepts like respect and humility in Japanese culture.

Ponte a prueba

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彼女は歌を____歌った。

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飛行機は雲の____を飛んだ。

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声のトーンを____してください。

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