亜熱帯 あねったい subtropics Why it means this 亜 (sub-, next after) + 熱帯 (the tropics) — the subtropics. Breakdown 亜 ア Asia, rank next, come after 熱 ネツ heat, temperature, fever 帯 タイ sash, belt, obi Each character links to its full entry — origin story, stroke order, and readings.