1.
groundwork; foundation; predisposition
The underlying preparation, background, or natural aptitude that serves as a basis for something. Used for skills, knowledge, or character traits that form a foundation.
英語の下地がある。
I have a foundation in English.
子どもの頃のピアノが音楽の下地になった。
Piano lessons as a child became the foundation for my music.
成功するには努力の下地が必要だ。
To succeed, you need a foundation of hard work.
2.
base coat; primer; undercoat
A preparatory layer applied before the main coating in painting, lacquerwork, or cosmetics.
壁に下地を塗る。
To apply a base coat to the wall.
化粧の下地をしっかり塗ると仕上がりが違う。
If you apply makeup primer properly, the finish is different.
漆塗りは下地作りに時間がかかる。
Lacquerwork takes a long time for the base preparation.
USAGE:
Sense 1 is used abstractly for the background or aptitude someone has that makes further development possible. Sense 2 is used concretely in painting, cosmetics, and craftwork.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 下地がある (to have a foundation/background)
- 下地を作る (to lay the groundwork)
- 下地を塗る (to apply a base coat)
- 化粧下地 (makeup primer)
SIMILAR WORDS:
基礎 is a more formal, general word for "foundation" or "basis." 下地 implies something pre-existing or latent, like an aptitude or preparation, rather than a systematic base of knowledge.