足元(あしもと)

あしもと
noun
at one's feet, underfoot
1. at one's feet, underfoot
The area or ground immediately around or beneath one's feet.
足元(あしもと)に気(き)をつけてください。
Please watch your step.
Common warning
暗(くら)いから足元(あしもと)が見(み)えない。
It's dark, so I can't see where I'm stepping.
猫(ねこ)が足元(あしもと)にすり寄(よ)ってきた。
The cat rubbed against my feet.
足元(あしもと)に水(みず)たまりがあった。
There was a puddle at my feet.
雨(あめ)で足元(あしもと)が滑(すべ)りやすい。
The ground is slippery underfoot because of the rain.
2. one's footing, footwork
The stability or condition of one's stance.
足元(あしもと)がふらつく。
I'm unsteady on my feet.
酔(よ)って足元(あしもと)がおぼつかない。
Being drunk, I'm unsteady on my feet.
足元(あしもと)をしっかり固(かた)める。
Secure a firm footing.
足元(あしもと)が定(さだ)まらない。
My footing is unstable.
ボクサーの足元(あしもと)が軽(かる)い。
The boxer has light footwork.
3. one's weak point
Figuratively, a vulnerability that can be exploited.
足元(あしもと)を見(み)られている。
They're taking advantage of my weakness.
Figurative usage
足元(あしもと)を狙(ねら)われた。
My weak point was targeted.
彼(かれ)は足元(あしもと)にも及(およ)ばない。
He doesn't hold a candle to them.
タクシーに足元(あしもと)を見(み)られた。
The taxi driver took advantage of my situation.
足元(あしもと)をすくわれないように注意(ちゅうい)しろ。
Be careful not to be caught off guard.

Usage: 足元(あしもと) has both literal and figurative meanings.

Common patterns

Writing variations: Can also be written as 足下(あしもと).

Related words

Related Words

Related: 足場(あしば) (foothold, scaffold)
Related: 地面(じめん) (ground)
core
Added 2026.1.13 21:42 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
04000/04096_ashimoto