下層(かそう)

かそう
noun / no-adjective
lower layer, lower stratum
1. lower layer, lower stratum, lower class
The bottom level of a layered structure, whether physical (layers of rock, atmosphere) or social (class hierarchy).
大気(たいき)の下層(かそう)に雲(くも)がある。
There are clouds in the lower atmosphere.
下層(かそう)階級(かいきゅう)の生活(せいかつ)は厳(きび)しかった。
Life for the lower class was harsh.
地盤(じばん)の下層(かそう)に粘土質(ねんどしつ)の土(つち)が広(ひろ)がっている。
Clay soil extends through the lower layer of the ground.

下層(かそう) refers to the bottom level of any layered structure, whether physical or social. Composed of 下(か) (lower) + 層(そう) (layer, stratum). Can also function as a の-adjective.

LAYER HIERARCHY:

  • 上層(じょうそう): upper layer/class
  • 中層(ちゅうそう): middle layer
  • 下層(かそう): lower layer/class

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 下層(かそう)階級(かいきゅう): lower class
  • 大気(たいき)の下層(かそう): lower atmosphere
  • 下層(かそう)土壌(どじょう): subsoil
  • 社会(しゃかい)の下層(かそう): lower stratum of society

REGISTER:
A formal, academic word. Used in scientific writing (geology, meteorology) and social commentary. In everyday speech, 下(した)の方(ほう) is more common for physical layers.

Related Words

Homophone: 火葬(かそう) (cremation)
general
Added 2026.2.16 10:06 · Revised 2026.4.11 9:58
11000/11372_kasou