1.
subordinate; follower; person under one's command
A person who serves under someone else's authority or command. Also used to describe the state of being under someone's control.
将軍の配下に多くの武士がいた。
Many warriors served under the shogun.
彼は組織の配下に置かれた。
He was placed under the organization's control.
社長の直接の配下にある精鋭チームが、今回のプロジェクトを担当する。
The elite team directly under the president's command will handle this project.
Describes someone under another's authority, or the state of being under someone's control. Has a formal, somewhat hierarchical tone.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 配下に置く (to place under one's command)
- 配下に入る (to come under someone's command)
- 直接の配下 (directly under one's command)
- 配下の者 (one's subordinates)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 配下: subordinate (formal, emphasizes hierarchical position)
- 部下: subordinate (standard business/workplace term)
- 手下: underling (more negative, gang/criminal nuance)
- 家来: retainer (historical, feudal context)