Meaning and Usage
"真下" (ました) means "right under" or "directly below" something. It is used to indicate a position exactly beneath a reference point, often vertically aligned. This word is common in both spoken and written Japanese, especially when describing locations or spatial relationships.
Common Collocations
- 真下に (ましたに): directly under
- 真下を見る (ましたをみる): to look straight down
- 真下に位置する (ましたにいちする): to be located directly below
Nuances and Register
"真下" is neutral in tone and can be used in formal and informal contexts. It emphasizes exact vertical alignment, more precise than just "下" (below).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "真下" with "真ん中" (center) or just "下" (below). Remember, "真下" specifically means directly beneath, not just somewhere below or in the middle.
Practical Tips
Use "真下" when you want to stress that something is exactly underneath another object, such as in architecture, directions, or describing views from heights.