地中(ちちゅう)

ちちゅう
noun
underground, in the ground
geography
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

Related Words

Compare: 地下(ちか) (underground (spaces))
Related: 地表(ちひょう) (earth's surface)
Compare: 地底(ちてい) (underground)
Compare: 土中(どちゅう) (in the soil)
general
Added 2026.2.20 17:57 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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