以下(いか)Less than (or equal to), Under・(and) below, Any less・fewer, Not exceeding

Most Recent Replies (5 in total)

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  SteveB

  While technically 以下 (and 以上) both mean equal to or more/less, is it relatively common for these points to be used where they actually just mean less/more and not ‘equal too & less/more?’
  I know there are other ways to say that specifically, but fairly sure I had seen it where the implication was just ‘less’, and wondering how common in casual use or maybe signs/notices it is?

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  Fuga

  This is something even native Japanese speakers have troubles with sometimes. As you said, 以下and以上 means equal to/less or more, but you would use 未満and超えるfor less/more and not equal to. It’s common to have them mixed up in casual speech, but not on signs and official documents/statements.

  For example: 20歳未満は飲酒してはならない。(People Under the age of 20 must not drink) and 20歳以下は飲酒してはならない。（People under the age of 20 or younger must not drink）

  以上・以下・未満・超える are used very differently when there needs to be a clear distinction, so it is safe to say you would not see these four used interchangeably on official documents or signs.

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  SteveB

  Thanks for the explanation. I figured they wouldn’t be written on anything official otherwise it would confuse everyone or give the wrong idea

  But are you saying that in casual speech, 以下 & 以上 may still get used with the implication that they mean just more/less, and not equal?