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March 24, 2026
帝dì(di4)
The character 帝 (dì) refers to an emperor or supreme ruler, often associated with authority and divinity in historical and cultural contexts. It is commonly used in formal discussions about governance, Chinese history, and mythology, where the figure of the emperor holds significant power and influence.
Strokes9Radical巾Frequency#6831DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, emperors traditionally held a divine right to rule, often believed to be chosen by heaven. This concept of the 'Mandate of Heaven' is deeply embedded in Chinese history and emphasizes the emperor's vital role in maintaining harmony and order.
Memory Tip
Imagine a majestic emperor sitting on a throne, ruling over a vast empire. The character 帝 has a radical that resembles a roof (宀) symbolizing a grand palace, and the bottom part (帝) can be visualized as a person (the emperor) inside that palace. Think of 'dì' rhyming with 'deity', emphasizing the god-like status of an emperor.
Meanings of 帝
dì(di4)
1emperor
2supreme ruler, emperor; god
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 帝
帝Simplified
9Strokes
巾Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6831Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 帝
Podcast: 帝
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AI Study Notes for 帝
Quick Contrast
皇 (huáng) - use 皇 for 'emperor' in a broader or more regal context, while 帝 emphasizes divine authority and historical significance.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a majestic emperor sitting on a throne, ruling over a vast empire. The character 帝 has a radical that resembles a roof (宀) symbolizing a grand palace, and the bottom part (帝) can be visualized as a person (the emperor) inside that palace. Think of 'dì' rhyming with 'deity', emphasizing the god-like status of an emperor.
Usage Notes
When using 帝, it's important to remember that it carries a formal connotation and is typically used in historical or literary contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Common collocations include phrases like '皇帝' (huángdì - emperor) and '帝国' (dìguó - empire). Be cautious with tone, as using the wrong tone could change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 帝 is not part of the HSK levels, it connects well with HSK vocabulary related to history and governance. Students should focus on understanding its use in context and how it contrasts with other terms for leadership, such as 君 (jūn - ruler) or 王 (wáng - king).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, emperors traditionally held a divine right to rule, often believed to be chosen by heaven. This concept of the 'Mandate of Heaven' is deeply embedded in Chinese history and emphasizes the emperor's vital role in maintaining harmony and order.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 帝 with other characters like 王 (wáng - king), assuming they are interchangeable. Remember, 帝 specifically denotes an emperor, while 王 refers to a king or monarch. Additionally, some might mistakenly use 帝 in casual conversation, which is inappropriate due to its formal context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 帝
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Grammar Patterns of 帝
帝 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这位下院议员称这些谋杀是在上____面前的公然亵渎。
The MP described the killings as a blasphemy before God.
The MP described the killings as a blasphemy before God.
2
皇帝必须意识到我们任由他处置。
huáng dì bì xū yì shí dào wǒ mén rèn yóu tā chǔ zhì。
The Emperor must realize that he has us at his mercy.
3
他让自己听从上帝的意志。
tā ràng zì jǐ tīng cóng shàng dì de yì zhì。
He has submitted himself to the will of God.
4
他要是跟我作对，那就让上帝保佑他吧。
tā yào shì gēn wǒ zuò duì， ， nà jiù ràng shàng dì bǎo yòu tā。
God help him if he gets in my way.
5
葡萄牙和西班牙都曾是经历了兴衰的大帝国。
pú táo yá hé xī bān yá dū zēng shì jīng lì le xīng shuāi de dà dì guó。
Portugal and Spain had possessed vast empires that waxed and waned.
6
我过去只为自己活，哪管上帝怎么想。
wǒ guò qù zhī wéi zì jǐ huó， ， nǎ guǎn shàng dì zěn mó。
I was living just for myself and paying little attention to God.
7
凭着对时装业的杰出贡献，他于1990年荣获英帝国官佐勋衔。
píng zháo duì shí zhuāng yè de jié chū gòng xiàn， ， tā1990 yú 1990 nián róng huò yīng dì guó guān zuǒ。
He was awarded the OBE in 1990 for services to fashion.
8
1741年，叶卡捷琳娜大帝颁布法令，允许佛教的存在。
1741 1741， nián ， yè kǎ jié lín nà dà dì bān bù， fǎ líng ， yǔn xǔ fó jiào。
In 1741 Catherine the Great issued an edict of toleration for Buddhism.
9
看在上帝的份上，谁去关掉那个闹钟吧。
kàn zài shàng dì de fèn shàng， ， shuí qù guān diào nà gè nào zhōng。
Will somebody for God's sake shut that alarm off.
10
“愿上帝保佑他们吧，”他说，“谁也帮不了他们了。”
“ “ yuàn shàng dì bǎo yòu tā mén，” bā ，”，“ tā shuō ，“ shuí yě bāng bù le。”
"God help them," he said. "They're beyond help."
Cultural Notes for 帝
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, emperors traditionally held a divine right to rule, often believed to be chosen by heaven. This concept of the 'Mandate of Heaven' is deeply embedded in Chinese history and emphasizes the emperor's vital role in maintaining harmony and order.
Word Family of 帝
Compounds21
蒂di4stem (of fruit)
蹄ti2hoof; pig's trotter
啼ti2to weep, to whimper; to howl; to crow
谛di4careful, attentive; to examine; the truth
缔di4closely joined
啻chi4only, merely, just; to stop at
揥
渧
碲di4tellurium
禘
偙
媂
崹
楴
締di4to tie, to join; knot, connection
腣
褅
諦di4careful, attentive; to examine; the truth
遆
鍗
鶙
Words Containing This Character20
上帝shàngdìGod
帝dìemperor
皇帝huángdìemperor
帝国dìguóempire帝國
帝国主义dìguózhǔyìimperialism帝國主義
帝王regent
帝都imperial capital
大帝heavenly emperor
黄帝the Yellow Emperor, mythological emperor of China, reigned c. 2697-2597 BC黃帝
反帝anti-imperialist
东帝汶East Timor (officially Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste)東帝汶
汉武帝Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty (141-87 BC)漢武帝
小皇帝child emperor
炎帝Flame Emperors (c. 2000 BC), legendary dynasty descended from Shennong 神農|神农[Shénnóng] Farmer God
罗马帝国Roman Empire (27 BC-476 AD)羅馬帝國
玉帝the Jade Emperor
天帝God of heaven
玉皇大帝Jade Emperor
隋炀帝Emperor Yang of Sui (569-618), said to have murdered his father and brother to seize the throne, reigned 604-618隋煬帝
帝制autocratic monarchy
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 蒂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 帝
帝 (dì) is a more general term for emperor, while 皇帝 (huángdì) specifically refers to the emperor of China, emphasizing the imperial title.
While 帝 primarily refers to Chinese emperors, it can be used metaphorically in literature or discussions about other cultures' rulers, but this usage is less common.
