What does 아래 mean?

아래 (a-rae, arae)

아래 (arae) indicates position or order, commonly used in daily conversation and writing.

Meaning of the Korean word 아래

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

아래(a-rae, arae)

아래 means 'below' or 'under' a certain object or position, used as an adverb or noun.

Nuances

  • Indicates not only physical position but also order or priority
  • Used for abstract as well as spatial positions
  • Subtle difference from similar word '밑' (mit)

When to use

Daily conversation, Document writing, Describing location, Listing order

In context

아래 is used before nouns or within sentences to indicate spatial position. It often means 'below' physically or figuratively in order or lists.

Real-world examples

  • 책상 아래에 고양이가 있어요.

    chaek-sang a-rae-e go-yang-i-ga iss-eo-yo., chaek sang a rae e go yang i ga iss eo yo.

    아래 correctly indicates spatial position below.

  • 아래 사람부터 줄을 서세요.

    a-rae sa-ram-bu-teo jul-eul seo-se-yo., a rae sa ram bu teo jul eul seo se yo.

    아래 naturally expresses order or position.

  • 아래에 있는 문서를 확인해 주세요.

    a-rae-e iss-neun mun-seo-reul hwak-in-hae ju-se-yo., a rae e iss neun mun seo reul hwak in hae ju se yo.

    아래 fits well when referring to a lower position in documents or lists.

  • 아래층으로 내려가세요.

    a-rae-cheung-eu-ro nae-ryeo-ga-se-yo., a rae cheung eu ro nae ryeo ga se yo.

    아래 is naturally used to indicate floors or positions.

  • 아래를 보지 마세요.

    a-rae-reul bo-ji ma-se-yo., a rae reul bo ji ma se yo.

    아래 correctly refers to direction or position.

Quick quiz

  1. What does 아래 mean?

    아래의 뜻은 무엇인가요?(a-rae-uitteus-eunmu-eos-in-ga-yo?, araeuitteuseunmueosingayo?)
  2. Which sentence uses '아래' correctly?

    다음 문장에서 '아래'가 올바르게 쓰인 문장은?(da-eummun-jang-e-seo'a-rae'gaol-ba-reu-gesseu-inmun-jang-eun?, daeummunjangeseo'arae'gaolbareugesseuinmunjangeun?)
  3. What is NOT a meaning of '아래'?

    '아래'가 의미하지 않는 것은?('a-rae'gaui-mi-ha-jian-neungeos-eun?, 'arae'gauimihajianneungeoseun?)

More meaning guides

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