How to say "low" in Japanese

• 低いひくいJLPT N5approx.Common
  i-adjectiveThe default adjective for 'low' in rank, degree, value, or quality — a low price, a low score, a low voice. When unsure which word to use for 'low,' choose this one.
  この机つくえは私にはちょっと低ひくい。↗

  This desk is a little low for me.
• ローCommon
  prenominal modifierA loanword that appears chiefly as a label or setting on equipment, such as a car's low gear, rather than as an adjective in sentences; for general 'low,' use 低い.
• 少ないすくないJLPT N5approx.Common
  i-adjectiveCovers 'low' only when it means small in number or amount — a low turnout, low rainfall, low income. For low degree, value, or quality, 低い is the natural choice.
  この病気びょうきに勝かてる人ひとは少すくない。↗

  Not many survive this disease.
• はしたないCommon
  i-adjectiveIts 'low' sense is really 'base or mean': the word actually means improper, immodest, or disgraceful, typically of behavior or speech, so it is seldom the right translation of 'low' itself.
• 弱じゃくJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounRead じゃく, this is the written label for the low setting on dials and controls; it is a mark on equipment rather than a word for use in sentences.

Use 「低い」 for low in degree, value, rank, or quality, 「少ない」 for low in number or amount, and the labels 「ロー」 and 弱 for low settings on equipment; 「はしたない」 means improper rather than low.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 低いひくいlow (rank, degree, value, content, quality, etc.)
• ローlow
• 少ないすくないfew
• はしたないimproper
• 低ていlow (level, value, price, etc.)
• さもしいlow
• 低置ていちlow (toilet tank)
• 悴かせlow
• 卑俗ひぞくvulgar
• 低めひくめlowish
• 下劣げれつbase
• 最低気温さいていきおんminimum temperature
• 小さいちいさいlow (e.g. sound)
• 若いわかいlow (number)
• 弱じゃくweakness
• 手薄てうすinsufficient (stock, money, etc.)
• ちっさいlow (e.g. sound)
• 俗ぞくvulgar