1.
downtown, old town, low-lying area of a city
The older, traditional commercial and residential areas of a city, typically in lower-lying areas, associated with working-class culture and traditional atmosphere.
東京の下町には古い街並みが残っている。
Old townscapes remain in Tokyo's downtown area.
下町の雰囲気が好きだ。
I like the atmosphere of the old downtown.
下町育ちの人は人情に厚いと言われる。
People raised in the old downtown are said to be warm-hearted.
CULTURAL NOTE:
下町 refers to the traditional working-class areas of Japanese cities, particularly Tokyo. Areas like 浅草, 上野, and 両国 are considered classic 下町. It's associated with:
- 人情 (warmth, humanity)
- 職人 (craftspeople)
- 伝統的な店 (traditional shops)
- 祭り (festivals)
OPPOSITE:
- 山の手 (uptown, residential hillside areas)
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