GRAMMAR DETAIL
～未満
Indicates a range below a stated quantity or age without including the stated limit.
Examples
この映画は十二歳未満は見られません。
Children under twelve cannot watch this movie.
Words used
六歳未満の子どもは入場料が無料です。
Admission is free for children under six.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
未満（みまん）to a quantity or age to indicate a range below the stated value. - Basic usage: In
六歳未満の子どもは入場料が無料です。, the free-admission condition covers children who have not yet reached six.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Handling the age boundary
六歳未満excludes age six, while六歳以下includes it. A child who has turned six therefore falls outside the free-admission condition in the example.
- Modifying a noun
- Use
のbefore a following noun, as in六歳未満の子ども. In十二歳未満は見られない,はmakes the relevant age group the topic.
- Use