low
low — 動詞
1. When a cow or similar animal lows, it gives out a long, deep call from its throa
哞叫
牛等動物發出低沉的叫聲
When a cow or similar animal lows, it gives out a long, deep call from its throat — the sound that people often write as 'moo' in English.
Every morning the cows lowed from the barn, and the farmer knew it was time to feed them.
每天清晨，牛群在穀倉裡哞叫，農夫就知道該餵食了。
intransitive: subject (animal) + low, no direct object
The old ox lowed softly as the farmhand carried fresh hay into the stable.
那頭老公牛低聲哞叫，當時農工正把新鮮乾草搬進馬廄。
adverb collocation: low softly / low loudly / low deeply
A lost calf lowed for its mother, and another cow answered from across the field.
一頭走失的小牛對著母牛哞叫，另一頭牛也從田野另一頭回應。
When the truck arrived late, the cattle lowed loudly until the feeding began.
當卡車遲到時，牛群大聲哞叫，直到開始餵食才停。
Cows low gently at sunset, and the sound drifts across the quiet fields.
黃昏時分牛群輕柔地哞叫，聲音飄過寧靜的田野。
文法句型
animal + low
用法筆記
This verb sense is far less common than the adjective or noun forms of 'low.' In everyday speech, English speakers almost always use 'moo' instead. The verb 'low' appears mainly in literature, historical writing, or descriptions of farm life.
常見錯誤
low — 名詞
1. A period or point in a person's life when things are going badly — for example,
低潮
人生中不順遂的時期
A period or point in a person's life when things are going badly — for example, a time of great sadness, failure, or difficulty.
After her brother's accident, Elena reached a real low in her life.
在哥哥發生意外後，Elena 的人生陷入了真正的低潮。
reach a low — idiom for experiencing difficulty
The team's first defeat of the season was a low that Selim found very hard.
球隊本季的第一場敗仗，是 Selim 覺得很難熬的一個低點。
Being without work for months was a deep low for the Wong family.
好幾個月沒有工作，對 Wong 一家來說是一段極深的低潮。
Losing his house in the fire became a low that Christopher never forgot.
他的房子在大火中燒毀，成了 Christopher 永遠忘不了的低潮。
For many people, the low of a serious illness can last for years.
對許多人來說，重病所帶來的低潮可能持續多年。
- down
informal and less common as a noun; 'a down' means a disappointing experience
- rock bottom
more intense and informal; suggests the worst possible state
- nadir
formal and literary; the lowest point of a situation
- high point
opposite — a period of success or happiness
- peak
opposite — the highest or best moment
文法句型
low + in/of + noun phrase
reach/hit a low
用法筆記
Frequently appears with a possessive (e.g., 'her low', 'the team's low') or in the frame 'a low in/of [something]'. Distinguish from sense 2: sense 1 refers to a period of poor fortune or sadness, not a measurable level.
常見錯誤
2. The smallest amount, value, or degree that something reaches, especially when co
低點
最低的程度或數值
The smallest amount, value, or degree that something reaches, especially when compared to other levels on a scale.
The company's profits hit a new low this year.
這家公司的利潤今年創下了新低。
hit a low — common verb + noun collocation
Temperatures in the desert reached a record low at night.
沙漠地區的夜間氣溫創下了歷史低點。
record low — common adjective + noun collocation
The yen fell to a ten-year low against the dollar.
日圓兌美元跌至十年來的新低。
This winter's rainfall was at its lowest level in fifty years.
今年冬天的降雨量是五十年來的最低水準。
Student numbers at the college dropped to a low that worried the staff.
大學的學生人數降至一個令教職員擔憂的低點。
- minimum
more neutral and technical; used across many fields
- record low
specific to historical data; an official lowest point
- all-time low
emphasises the lowest across the entire history
文法句型
hit/reach + a low
fall to + a low
a + time-period + low
用法筆記
Subject is usually numbers or amounts (prices, temperatures, rates, scores). Often used in economic or statistical contexts. Commonly paired with hit, reach, drop to, or fall to.
常見錯誤
3. An area in the atmosphere where the air pressure is lower than the surrounding a
低氣壓
大氣壓力低的區域
An area in the atmosphere where the air pressure is lower than the surrounding air, often bringing clouds, rain, or storms.
A low moved east across the island, bringing heavy rain.
一個低氣壓向東移動，越過島嶼帶來了大雨。
a low + verb of movement — meteorological pattern
The weather report says a low will arrive tomorrow afternoon.
天氣預報說明天下午會有一個低氣壓抵達。
Lakshmi checked the satellite image to see where the low was forming.
Lakshmi 查看衛星雲圖，想了解低氣壓正在哪裡形成。
Strong winds often follow when a low passes through the region.
當低氣壓經過該地區時，往往會伴隨強風。
The pilot steered the plane around a deep low to avoid the storm.
機師駕駛飛機繞過一個強烈低氣壓，以避開暴風雨。
- depression
more formal term, especially in British weather reporting
- low-pressure system
full technical term; more precise in formal contexts
- cyclone
stronger rotating system, used for severe weather events
- high
opposite area of high atmospheric pressure
- high-pressure system
full opposite term
文法句型
a low + verb of movement (moves/brings/crosses)
a low + arrives/forms/develops
用法筆記
Used mostly in weather reports and meteorological contexts. Often modified by adjectives describing intensity (e.g., deep low, strong low). In formal British English, may be called a depression.
low — 形容詞
1. having a short distance from the bottom to the top of an object, wall, table, or
低矮的
物體頂端到底部距離短的
having a short distance from the bottom to the top of an object, wall, table, or plant
The garden wall was so low that Amihan could step over it easily.
花園圍牆非常低矮，Amihan 輕鬆就能跨過去。
so + adjective + that-clause
Mizuki bought a low table for her small apartment in Taipei.
Mizuki 為她在台北的小公寓買了一張矮桌。
The low branches of the old oak tree hung just above the children's heads.
那棵老橡樹低垂的樹枝正好在孩子們頭頂上方。
Baraka chose a low bookshelf that fit perfectly beneath the window.
Baraka 選了一個矮書櫃，剛好塞進窗戶下方。
The low ceiling in their new house means Benjamin must duck near the doorways.
他們的新房子天花板很低，Benjamin 在門口附近必須彎腰。
常見錯誤
2. at a position that is only a short distance above the ground, floor, or bottom o
低處的
位置離地面或底部很近的
at a position that is only a short distance above the ground, floor, or bottom of something
The lowest shelf in the cupboard holds all the heavy pots and pans.
櫥櫃最底層的架子放著所有沉重的鍋子和平底鍋。
lowest (superlative) + noun
Yara hung the picture low on the wall so her toddler could see it.
Yara 把畫掛在牆壁低處，好讓她的學步兒看得到。
A thick fog lay low over the rice fields near the village.
濃霧低低地籠罩在村莊附近的稻田上。
The bottom drawer of the tall filing cabinet is the lowest one.
那個高檔案櫃的最下方抽屜是最低的一個。
Shanti's kite flew low across the park before rising into the sky.
Shanti 的風箏低低地飛過公園，然後才升上天空。
- near the ground
a phrase rather than a single word, but conveys the same meaning
- bottom
refers to the lowest part of something, e.g. 'bottom shelf'
用法筆記
Often used after verbs describing position or movement (lie low, hang low, fly low, sit low).
常見錯誤
3. having a smaller amount, number, or level than what is normal or expected
偏低的
數量或程度低於正常標準
having a smaller amount, number, or level than what is normal or expected
Temperatures in the northern city stayed very low all winter long.
那座北部城市的整個冬天氣溫都非常低。
low temperature (collocation)
The river was dangerously low after three months without any rain.
連續三個月沒下雨之後，河水水位低得危險。
Our fuel supplies are running low, so we need to order more soon.
我們的燃料快要見底了，需要趕快再訂購一些。
The company's profits were lower this year than last year.
那家公司的利潤今年比去年低。
Low rainfall this season has caused problems for local farmers.
這個季節雨量偏低，已經對當地農民造成問題。
用法筆記
Frequently used with nouns for measurable quantities: temperature, water, price, supply, battery, level, rainfall.
常見錯誤
4. at or near the bottom of a scale of sound strength, heat output, or brightness
微弱的
聲音、熱度或光線微小的
at or near the bottom of a scale of sound strength, heat output, or brightness
Jabari and Talia spoke in low voices so they would not wake the baby.
Jabari 和 Talia 低聲說話以免吵醒寶寶。
low voice (collocation for quiet sound)
The heater was set to a low temperature to save electricity.
暖氣設定在低溫以節省電費。
Mira could hear low thunder in the distance as the storm approached.
暴風雨逼近時，Mira 可以聽見遠處微弱的雷聲。
The radio played music at a low volume during the family dinner.
家庭晚餐時，收音機以低音量播放音樂。
Élise read her book under a low light in the corner of the room.
Élise 在房間角落微弱的燈光下看書。
用法筆記
Commonly modifies the nouns voice, volume, heat, flame, and light. Do not use 'low' for total absence — it means reduced, not zero.
常見錯誤
5. falling short of the level of quality, ability, or performance that is considere
低劣的
品質或水準很差的
falling short of the level of quality, ability, or performance that is considered acceptable
The food served at the hotel was of surprisingly low quality.
飯店提供的食物品質低得令人驚訝。
of + low quality (prepositional pattern)
Léa received low marks on her first essay of the semester.
Léa 這學期的第一篇論文分數很低。
The standard of teaching at the school was very low at that time.
那所學校的教學水準當時非常低。
Ramón thought the movie had a low budget and poor special effects.
Ramón 認為那部電影預算低、特效也很差。
Customer satisfaction scores have remained low for several months now.
顧客滿意度分數已經連續好幾個月偏低。
- poor
the most common substitute; 'poor quality' and 'low quality' are interchangeable
- inferior
suggests something is worse than another thing in comparison
- substandard
formal; implies it fails to meet a specific required standard
用法筆記
Subject is typically a product, service, performance, grade, or experience. When used predicatively (e.g. 'the quality is low'), the preposition 'of' is needed: 'of low quality'.
常見錯誤
6. having little value, rank, or influence within a group, organization, or society
低階的
地位或重要性不高的
having little value, rank, or influence within a group, organization, or society
Benjamin started at the lowest level of the company and worked his way up.
Benjamin 從公司最基層做起，一路晉升上來。
lowest level (rank/position)
People in low-income jobs often struggle to pay rent in the city.
從事低薪工作的人往往難以負擔市區的房租。
low-income jobs (compound adjective)
Amihan refused to do any low-skilled tasks even though she was new.
Amihan 即使還是新人，也拒絕做任何低技能的工作。
The ambassador considered the meeting too low a priority to attend.
大使認為那個會議的優先順序太低，不值得出席。
In some companies, women were given a lower status than men.
在某些公司裡，女性的地位比男性低。
- junior
specifically refers to someone of lower rank in a workplace or team
- minor
describes something of lesser importance within a larger set
- humble
carries a positive connotation of modesty, often about one's background
- low-ranking
directly describes position in a hierarchy
- senior
having a higher rank or position
- high-ranking
holding an important position in an organization
- influential
having power to affect decisions or people
用法筆記
Often used attributively in hyphenated compounds: low-income, low-status, low-level, low-ranking, low-skilled. The comparative form 'lower' is common when contrasting positions.
常見錯誤
7. describing behaviour that shows a lack of moral principle, especially when someo
卑鄙
指行為不誠實或不公平
describing behaviour that shows a lack of moral principle, especially when someone acts in a way that takes unfair advantage of others
Roya felt it was a low trick when Samir took credit for her work.
Roya 覺得 Samir 冒領她的功勞是一種卑鄙的手段。
low trick — dishonest or unfair act
Spreading false rumours about a colleague is a low thing to do.
散播同事的假謠言是很卑鄙的行為。
The candidate's low tactics during the debate disappointed the voters.
那位候選人在辯論中使用卑鄙手段，讓選民感到失望。
Christopher called the prank low and refused to take part.
Christopher 說那個惡作劇很低級，拒絕參與。
- mean
more informal; describes unkind behaviour with personal intent
- unfair
broader; can apply to any situation lacking justice, not just personal actions
- despicable
stronger and more formal; suggests extreme moral condemnation
用法筆記
Describes actions or remarks that show a lack of moral principle, often taking unfair advantage of someone else's situation.
8. used for a voice or musical note that is deep and close to the lowest reachable
低沉
音調低沉的聲音或嗓音
used for a voice or musical note that is deep and close to the lowest reachable pitch
The double bass produced a low note that filled the concert hall.
低音提琴發出低沉的樂音，響徹整個音樂廳。
low note — deep musical pitch
A low growl came from the dog's throat when the stranger approached.
陌生人靠近時，那隻狗從喉嚨發出低沉的吼聲。
Antonia's voice dropped to a low pitch when she spoke in secret.
Antonia 說悄悄話時，聲音壓得很低沉。
The low hum of the engine could be heard from inside the house.
屋內可以聽到引擎低沉的運轉聲。
用法筆記
Refers to the depth or pitch of a sound, not how quiet it is. For quiet sounds, use 'soft' or 'quiet' instead.
常見錯誤
❌ 'He spoke in a low voice' (when meaning quietly) can be ambiguous — 'low voice' mainly refers to deep pitch; for soft volume use 'quiet voice'.
9. feeling unhappy, weak, or lacking the usual energy to enjoy normal activities
沮喪
情緒低落、不快樂
feeling unhappy, weak, or lacking the usual energy to enjoy normal activities
Romi had been feeling low ever since she failed her driving test.
Romi 自從駕照考試沒過就一直情緒低落。
feel low — sad or depressed
After the funeral, the whole family felt low for weeks.
葬禮過後，全家人心情低落了幾個星期。
Mei noticed that Lan seemed low and asked if she wanted to talk.
Mei 注意到 Lan 似乎情緒低落，便問她是否想談談。
Being away from home made Darius feel low during the winter months.
離家在外讓 Darius 在冬天的幾個月裡感到沮喪。
用法筆記
Usually used as a predicate adjective after linking verbs (feel low, look low, seem low). Before a noun, 'low' normally means dishonest (sense 7) or unimportant, not sad.
常見錯誤
10. in basketball, describing a position or area on the court that is under or right
低位
籃球中靠近籃框的位置
in basketball, describing a position or area on the court that is under or right next to the basket where points are scored
The centre caught the ball in the low post and scored easily.
中鋒在低位接球後輕鬆得分。
low post — basketball position near the basket
The point guard threw a low pass to the player under the basket.
控球後衛將球低傳給籃下的隊友。
The team spent the whole afternoon practising low moves in the paint.
全隊整個下午都在練習禁區內的籃下動作。
Ravindra drove into the low post and passed to an open teammate.
Ravindra 切入低位後傳球給空檔的隊友。
- inside
describes the general near-the-basket area in basketball
- close-range
describes shots or passes made near the basket
用法筆記
Only used in basketball contexts. Contrasts with 'high post' (farther from the basket). Usually appears in compound phrases such as 'low post' or 'low block'.
low — 副詞
1. in or to a place that is not far above the ground, floor, or other surface
低處
靠近地面或底部的位置
in or to a place that is not far above the ground, floor, or other surface
The hawk circled low over the field, watching for small animals.
那隻老鷹在田野上空低飛盤旋，尋找小動物。
circle + low (movement verb + low)
Daichi ducked low behind the wall so the guard would not see him.
Daichi 蹲低身子躲在牆後，這樣守衛就不會看到他。
duck + low (action verb + low)
The old branches hung so low that Minh had to push them aside.
老樹枝垂得很低，Minh 必須把它們撥開才能走過去。
Baraka flew the plane low over the water to watch the whales.
Baraka 把飛機飛得很低，掠過水面去觀看鯨魚。
A single lamp hung low from the ceiling above the dark wooden table.
一盞燈從深色木桌上方的天花板上低低地垂掛著。
- near the ground
describes position rather than manner; more literal
- close to the floor
used for indoor settings
文法句型
verb + low
fly/hang/duck + low
用法筆記
Commonly follows verbs of position or movement such as fly, hang, duck, bend, lie, or crawl.
常見錯誤
2. to a degree or level that is below what is usual or expected, especially of quan
偏低
低於一般水準或程度
to a degree or level that is below what is usual or expected, especially of quantity, value, temperature, or sound volume
Tuan set the oven temperature low so the bread would bake slowly.
Tuan 把烤箱溫度調低，這樣麵包才會慢慢烤熟。
set + object + low (adjustment verb pattern)
After months without rain, the river's water level dropped dangerously low.
好幾個月沒有下雨之後，那條河的水位降到了危險的低點。
drop + low (for levels and amounts)
Nicholas kept the music low so his neighbours would not complain about the noise.
Nicholas 把音樂聲量調低，以免鄰居抱怨吵鬧。
The price of rice fell low last year because of a very large harvest.
去年米價跌得很低，因為收成非常豐盛。
Shirin scored low on the listening section but did well on the reading part.
Shirin 聽力部分分數偏低，但閱讀部分考得很好。
- at a reduced level
more formal; emphasises the degree of reduction
- modestly
used for amounts or expectations, not physical position
- high
to a large degree or amount
文法句型
verb + low
set/turn/keep + object + low
score/fell/drop + low
用法筆記
Often appears after verbs of adjustment like set, turn, keep, or fall when describing temperature, volume, speed, prices, or scores.
常見錯誤
3. with only a small amount remaining before the supply is completely used up, used
短缺
庫存或資源即將用盡
with only a small amount remaining before the supply is completely used up, used only with verbs such as 'run' or 'get'
The pantry was running low on rice, so Cyrus went to the market this morning.
儲藏室的米快吃完了，所以 Cyrus 早上去了市場一趟。
run low on [noun] (fixed expression for diminishing supply)
Our fuel was getting low, so we stopped to fill the tank.
我們的油料快要見底了，於是我們停車加油。
get + low (for supplies nearly finished)
The hospital supply of medicine was running low after the storm cut off the roads.
暴風雨中斷了道路之後，那家醫院的藥品供應逐漸短缺。
Diya checked the battery and found it was getting low after three hours of use.
Diya 檢查了電池，發現用了三小時之後電量已經快沒了。
Cash was running low near the end of the trip, so Élise used her card.
旅行接近尾聲時現金快用完了，所以 Élise 用了她的信用卡。
- scarce
broader meaning; describes general shortage rather than the process of running out
- in short supply
more formal; emphasises limited availability
文法句型
run + low + on + [noun]
get + low
be + running/getting + low
用法筆記
Only works with a small set of stative verbs: run (most common) and get. The phrase 'run low on + noun' is the standard frame for describing a supply that is about to finish.