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底线 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
底线dǐxiànto underlineHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #5289, Very Hard, sports, business, ethics
底线dǐxiànbottom lineHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #5289, Very Hard
底线dǐxiànbase line (in sports)HSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #5289, Very Hard
底线dǐxiànbaselineHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #5289, Very Hard
底线dǐxiànminimumHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #5289, Very Hard
底线dǐxiànspyHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #5289, Very Hard
底线dǐxiànplantHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #5289, Very Hard
dǐxiàn(di3xian4)di xian T3
  1. 1to underline
  2. 2bottom line
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March 24, 2026

底线(底線)dǐxiàn(di3xian4)

底线 (dǐxiàn) refers to the fundamental limit or boundary that should not be crossed in various contexts, such as discussions or negotiations. It can denote the minimum acceptable standard, often used in business and personal interactions to denote a 'bottom line.' The term can also relate to sports, indicating a baseline in games like tennis.

Strokes16Frequency#5289DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese business culture, establishing a 底线 is crucial during negotiations, as it reflects one's minimum requirements and expectations, which often leads to more effective communication and clearer outcomes.

Memory tip

Imagine a tightrope walker balancing on a thin line (线) at the bottom (底) of a canyon, reminding you that the '底线' is the crucial line that represents stability and safety. The character 底 (bottom) visually resembles the ground, reminding you of the foundational aspect of the word.

Meanings of 底线

dǐxiàn(di3xian4)
1to underline
2bottom line
Exercise 1 of 3

By ear

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About 底线

底线Simplified
底線Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5BCT✓CEFRC2

Podcast: 底线

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Podcast: 底线

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AI study notes for 底线

Quick Contrast

底线 (dǐxiàn) vs 界限 (jièxiàn) — use 底线 when referring specifically to a fundamental limit or minimum standard, while 界限 is broader, indicating any boundary or limit.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 底线 with similar-sounding words; it specifically emphasizes limits or boundaries. This term is often used in both formal and informal discussions, so context matters. Common collocations include '谈判的底线' (the bottom line of negotiations).

HSK Study Tips

While 底线 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding this term can enhance your comprehension of discussions involving limits or negotiations. Focus on practicing it in sentences that involve setting boundaries or discussing agreements.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 底线 with similar phrases like 底部 (bottom). For example, saying '我们需要设定一个底部' (We need to set a bottom) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我们需要设定一个底线' (We need to set a bottom line).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 底线

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Component characters

底de(equivalent to 的 as possessive particle)
HSK 48 strokes广
View full entry
线xiànthread
HSK 68 strokes纟
View full entry

How to say to underline in Chinese

“to underline” in Chinese is底线dǐxiàn

底线 (dǐxiàn) refers to the fundamental limit or boundary that should not be crossed in various contexts, such as discussions or negotiations. It can denote the minimum acceptable standard, often used in business and personal interactions to denote a 'bottom line.' The term can also relate to sports, indicating a baseline in games like tennis.

When to use 底线

Be careful not to confuse 底线 with similar-sounding words; it specifically emphasizes limits or boundaries. This term is often used in both formal and informal discussions, so context matters. Common collocations include '谈判的底线' (the bottom line of negotiations).

底线 or something close to it

底线 (dǐxiàn) vs 界限 (jièxiàn) — use 底线 when referring specifically to a fundamental limit or minimum standard, while 界限 is broader, indicating any boundary or limit.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 底线 with similar phrases like 底部 (bottom). For example, saying '我们需要设定一个底部' (We need to set a bottom) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我们需要设定一个底线' (We need to set a bottom line).

Write 底线

底
线

Practice writing 底线 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Common confusions with 底线

底线vs底
dǐ

Similar pronunciation but different meanings.

底线vs线
xiàn

Phonetically similar but represents different concepts.

Exercise 1 of 1

Which one

Which one means “to underline”?

or

Usage Notes for 底线

Misinterpretation of ContextCommon Error

The term '底线' can be used in various contexts, including sports and metaphorically in discussions about ethics or limits. Ensure you understand the context to convey the correct meaning.

1

在谈判中,我们必须明确我们的底线。

In negotiations, we must clarify our bottom line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Get it right

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

在谈判中,我们必须明确我们的____。

In negotiations, we must clarify our bottom line.

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Frequently asked questions about 底线

In business, 底线 refers to the minimum requirements or limits that one is willing to accept during negotiations.

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