Meaning
Low, short, humble — used for height, level, status, and modest behavior.
- 最低 — lowest, worst
- 高低 — height difference
- 低下 — decline, drop
- 低温 — low temperature
- 低速 — low speed
- 低気圧 — low pressure
The left side 亻 (にんべん) means “person,” and the right part 氏 (テイ) gives sound. Together, they suggest a person who is near the ground — hence “low.” It can describe height, tone, status, or modesty.
For example, 低姿勢 means “humble attitude.”
気温が 低くなってきました。
The temperature has dropped.
彼は 低姿勢で 有名です。
He is known for his humble attitude.
The kun-yomi “ひくい” means “low” and is used for describing height or rank. The on-yomi “テイ” is common in compound words like 最低 (lowest) or 低下 (decline).