아래 (a-rae, arae) · 밑 (mit) · 하단 (ha-dan, hadan)
아래(a-rae), 밑(mit), and 하단(ha-dan) all mean 'below,' but differ in formality, specificity, and relation to objects.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
General, broad term for 'below' or 'underneath,' usable for people, objects, or broad spaces
When to use
casual speech, broad spatial location, relative position
The nuance
Common in daily speech and writing; better for relative or general positions than specific points.
Directly underneath an object, often implying physical contact or very close proximity
When to use
directly under object, physical contact, casual spoken
The nuance
Used when referring to positions directly touching or immediately below an object; common in daily speech.
Formal or technical term for the bottom part or lower end of documents, screens, or objects
When to use
formal documents, technical description, design contexts
The nuance
Used mainly in formal documents, reports, design, or technical contexts to specify exact lower parts.
책상 아래에 가방이 있어요.
chaek-sang a-rae-e ga-bang-i iss-eo-yo., chaek sang a rae e ga bang i iss eo yo.
아래 naturally expresses the relative position between desk and bag.
책상 밑에 가방이 있어요.
chaek-sang mit-e ga-bang-i iss-eo-yo., chaek sang mit e ga bang i iss eo yo.
밑 emphasizes close or direct contact position.
책상 하단에 가방이 있어요.
chaek-sang ha-dan-e ga-bang-i iss-eo-yo., chaek sang ha dan e ga bang i iss eo yo.
하단 refers to bottom end of objects, unnatural for bag location here.
화면 하단에 버튼이 있습니다.
hwa-myeon ha-dan-e beo-teun-i iss-seup-ni-da., hwa myeon ha dan e beo teun i iss seup ni da.
하단 fits formal, specific locations like screen bottom.
화면 아래에 버튼이 있습니다.
hwa-myeon a-rae-e beo-teun-i iss-seup-ni-da., hwa myeon a rae e beo teun i iss seup ni da.
아래 means general below, not precise position under screen.
화면 밑에 버튼이 있습니다.
hwa-myeon mit-e beo-teun-i iss-seup-ni-da., hwa myeon mit e beo teun i iss seup ni da.
밑 implies direct contact, unsuitable if button not touching screen.
문서 하단에 서명을 해 주세요.
mun-seo ha-dan-e seo-myeong-eul hae ju-se-yo., mun seo ha dan e seo myeong eul hae ju se yo.
하단 is appropriate for official bottom part of documents.
문서 밑에 서명을 해 주세요.
mun-seo mit-e seo-myeong-eul hae ju-se-yo., mun seo mit e seo myeong eul hae ju se yo.
밑 implies contact with document, unnatural for signing location.
Which word fits when a bag is closest under the desk?
Which word is appropriate for ‘bottom end’ in official documents?
Which word suits broad relative location?
What does it mean?
