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March 24, 2026
殆dài(dai4)
The character 殆 (dài) conveys a sense of danger or peril, often implying that something is almost certain or likely to happen. It is used in contexts where there is an imminent risk or threat, as well as in expressions indicating probability. This duality makes it useful in both literal and figurative language.
Strokes9Radical歹Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature and proverbs, the concept of danger is often tied to moral lessons or cautionary tales, emphasizing the importance of being aware of risks in life. The use of 殆 can reflect a cultural value placed on prudence and forethought.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'daring' knight (sounds like 'dài') who is almost about to fall into a 'dangerous' pit. The character 殆 is composed of the radical for 'death' (死) suggesting danger, and a component that hints at 'almost', reinforcing the idea of perilous situations.
Meanings of 殆
dài(dai4)
1almost, probably; danger, peril; to endanger
2dangerous
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 殆
殆Simplified
9Strokes
歹Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 殆
Podcast: 殆
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AI Study Notes for 殆
Quick Contrast
危 (wēi) — use 殆 (dài) when emphasizing likelihood or probability of danger, while 危 (wēi) focuses more on the inherent danger itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'daring' knight (sounds like 'dài') who is almost about to fall into a 'dangerous' pit. The character 殆 is composed of the radical for 'death' (死) suggesting danger, and a component that hints at 'almost', reinforcing the idea of perilous situations.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 殆 with similar sounding characters, such as 代 (dài), which means 'to replace'. This character is generally used in formal contexts to indicate risk, so be mindful of the tone and formality required in different situations. Remember to use it correctly in expressions like '殆尽' (dài jìn), which means 'almost exhausted'.
HSK Study Tips
Though 殆 is not included in HSK levels, it relates to concepts of probability and danger which are present in HSK vocabulary. Students should focus on its usage in idiomatic expressions and practice differentiating it from other similar-sounding words.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature and proverbs, the concept of danger is often tied to moral lessons or cautionary tales, emphasizing the importance of being aware of risks in life. The use of 殆 can reflect a cultural value placed on prudence and forethought.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 殆 with the character 代 (dài), meaning 'to replace'. For example, saying '我殆他' instead of '我代他' (I replace him) can lead to misunderstandings. Always remember that 殆 relates to danger or probability.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 殆
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Grammar Patterns of 殆
殆 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 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 1
Complete the Sentence
并不是他们把全球的资源耗费____尽的。
It isn't them who use up the world's resources.
Example Sentences for 殆 (1)
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1
并不是他们把全球的资源耗费殆尽的。
bìng bù shì tā mén bǎ quán qiú de zī yuán hào fèi dài jìn de。
It isn't them who use up the world's resources.
Cultural Notes for 殆
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese literature and proverbs, the concept of danger is often tied to moral lessons or cautionary tales, emphasizing the importance of being aware of risks in life. The use of 殆 can reflect a cultural value placed on prudence and forethought.
Word Family of 殆
Words Containing This Character4
殆dàidangerous
殆尽nearly exhausted殆盡
百战不殆to come unscathed through a hundred battles (idiom, from Sunzi's "The Art of War" 孫子兵法|孙子兵法[SūnzǐBīngfǎ]); to win every fight百戰不殆
危殆grave danger
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 殆 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 殆
Common phrases include '殆尽' (dài jìn, almost exhausted) and '殆难' (dài nán, almost impossible).
Yes, but it tends to be more common in written language or formal speech, especially in discussions about risk.
It is generally used in a negative context, often highlighting danger or risk.
