1.
low altitude; low in the sky
A position relatively close to the ground. Used for aircraft, flying objects, and figuratively for performing at a minimal level.
低空で飛ぶ。
To fly at low altitude.
ヘリコプターが低空飛行していた。
A helicopter was flying at low altitude.
今学期の成績は低空飛行だったが、なんとか単位は取れた。
My grades this semester were just barely scraping by, but I managed to earn my credits.
低空 means low altitude — close to the ground. Most commonly encountered in the compound 低空飛行.
WORD FORMATION:
低 (low) + 空 (sky/air)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 低空飛行 (low-altitude flight)
- 低空で飛ぶ (to fly low)
- 低空侵入 (low-altitude intrusion)
FIGURATIVE USAGE:
低空飛行 is widely used figuratively to mean "barely scraping by" or "performing at the minimum acceptable level." Example: 成績は低空飛行だ (grades are just barely passing).
OPPOSITE:
高空 (high altitude).