1.
downstream, lower reaches
The lower part of a river, closer to where it empties into the sea.
川の下流に流れた。
It flowed downstream.
下流では川幅が広がる。
The river widens downstream.
下流域は洪水の被害を受けやすい。
The lower reaches are prone to flood damage.
2.
lower class
The socially or economically disadvantaged class.
下流社会という言葉が話題になった。
The term 'lower-class society' became a topic of discussion.
格差が広がり下流に転落する人が増えた。
As inequality widened, more people fell into the lower class.
中流から下流へと滑り落ちる不安を抱える人が多い。
Many people feel anxiety about slipping from the middle class to the lower class.
USAGE: Pairs with 上流 (upstream/upper class) and 中流 (midstream/middle class).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 川の下流: lower reaches of a river
- 下流域: downstream area
- 下流社会: lower-class society
- 下流階級: lower class
CULTURE: The book 下流社会 (2005) by 三浦展 popularized the term to describe the growing economic underclass in Japan.
Related Words
Antonym:
上流