地中(ちちゅう)

ちちゅう
noun
underground, in the ground
1. underground, subterranean, in the ground
Within or beneath the surface of the ground. Used to describe things that are located, buried, or happening below the earth's surface. Often appears as a modifier with の.
地中(ちちゅう)に管(かん)を埋(う)める。
To bury pipes underground.
地中(ちちゅう)深(ふか)くに水脈(すいみゃく)がある。
There is an underground water vein deep below the surface.
植物(しょくぶつ)の根(ね)は地中(ちちゅう)に広(ひろ)がり、水分(すいぶん)や養分(ようぶん)を吸収(きゅうしゅう)している。
Plant roots spread underground, absorbing water and nutrients.

USAGE:
地中(ちちゅう) specifically means within the earth, as opposed to 地下(ちか) which often refers to underground spaces designed for human use (basements, subways). 地中(ちちゅう) is more natural when talking about things physically embedded in the soil or rock.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 地中(ちちゅう)に埋(う)める: to bury underground
  • 地中(ちちゅう)深(ふか)く: deep underground
  • 地中(ちちゅう)海(かい): the Mediterranean Sea
  • 地中(ちちゅう)の温度(おんど): underground temperature

Related Words

Contrast: 地下(ちか) (underground (spaces))
general
Added 2026.2.20 17:57
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