下層(かそう)

かそう
noun, no-adjective
lower layer, lower stratum
formalwrittensocietyscience
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.

Composed of 下(か) (lower) + 層(そう) (layer, stratum). Can also function as a の-adjective.

Related words

Common collocations

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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

Antonym: 上層(じょうそう) (upper layer)
Homophone: 火葬(かそう) (cremation)
Homophone: 仮想(かそう) (virtual, hypothetical)
Related: 中層(ちゅうそう) (middle layer)
general
Added 2026.2.16 10:06 · Revised 2026.10.19 10:13
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