"Below" is at a lower level; "under" implies being beneath with covering or in a hierarchy.
At a lower position than something else. Used for temperature, level, rank, or static position.
The temperature dropped below zero last night.
La temperatura cayo por debajo de cero anoche.
See the chart below for details.
Consulta el grafico de abajo para mas detalles.
His performance was well below the company standard.
Su rendimiento estuvo muy por debajo del estandar de la empresa.
Beneath, covered by, or subordinate to. Implies contact, covering, or hierarchical relation.
The cat is hiding under the bed. I can hear it.
El gato esta escondido debajo de la cama. Puedo escucharlo.
She works under a very strict supervisor.
Ella trabaja bajo un supervisor muy estricto.
Children under 12 enter free.
Los ninos menores de 12 anos entran gratis.
Common mistake
Common error: "The cat is below the bed" — sounds like the cat is in the apartment downstairs, not under the bed. For physical objects beneath others with contact or covering, use "under". "Below" works for abstract levels (temperature, budget, ranking) or spatial position without direct contact.
Trick to remember it
Parallel with above/over: "below" is the opposite of "above" (level, no contact). "Under" is the opposite of "over" (covering, hierarchy, contact). If you can say "at a lower level or measure", use "below". If something is physically on top covering, or there is a hierarchy, use "under".
Quick rule
Below = lower level (abstract or spatial without contact). Under = beneath with covering or in a hierarchy.
Did you know?
"Under" has enormous idiomatic richness: "under pressure", "under the weather" (feeling ill), "under construction", "under arrest", "undercover". "Below" rarely forms this type of fixed expression. English prefers "under" for power relations and states.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
We found the spare key _____ the doormat.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
His test score was _____ the class average this semester.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Below = lower level (abstract or spatial without contact). Under = beneath with covering or in a hierarchy.
Common error: "The cat is below the bed" — sounds like the cat is in the apartment downstairs, not under the bed. For physical objects beneath others with contact or covering, use "under". "Below" works for abstract levels (temperature, budget, ranking) or spatial position without direct contact.
Parallel with above/over: "below" is the opposite of "above" (level, no contact). "Under" is the opposite of "over" (covering, hierarchy, contact). If you can say "at a lower level or measure", use "below". If something is physically on top covering, or there is a hierarchy, use "under".
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy