()べた

じべた
noun
bare ground, the ground
1. bare ground, the ground (surface)
The ground surface itself, often implying that it is bare, dirty, or not a proper surface for sitting. Has a slightly colloquial and rough nuance compared to 地面. Often used when describing someone sitting or placing something directly on the ground, implying it is undesirable.
()べたに(すわ)る。
To sit on the bare ground.
荷物(にもつ)()べたに()かないで。
Don't put your bag on the ground.
()どもたちが()べたに(すわ)()んでゲームをしていた。
The children were sitting on the ground playing a game.

USAGE:
()べた is more colloquial and concrete than 地面(じめん) (ground surface). It often carries the implication that the surface is dirty, rough, or not a suitable place for sitting or placing things. The expression ()べたに(すわ)る often implies sitting in a somewhat uncouth or improper manner.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ()べたに(すわ)る: to sit on the ground
  • ()べたに()く: to put on the ground
  • ()べたに(すわ)()む: to plop down on the ground
  • ()べたに()いつくばる: to grovel on the ground