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March 24, 2026
柢dǐ(di3)
The character 柢 (dǐ) refers to the root or base of a plant, symbolizing the foundational support of something. It can also represent the underlying principle or basis of an idea or concept, often used in academic or philosophical discussions.
Strokes9Radical木Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, understanding the 'root' of a problem is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, reflecting the significance of the concept of roots in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a deep-rooted tree, the roots (柢) holding it firmly in the ground. The character has a tree radical (木) on the left, suggesting its connection to nature, and the right side (底) hints at the base or foundation.
Meanings of 柢
dǐ(di3)
1root, base
2foundation
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 柢
柢Simplified
9Strokes
木Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 柢
Podcast: 柢
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AI Study Notes for 柢
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a deep-rooted tree, the roots (柢) holding it firmly in the ground. The character has a tree radical (木) on the left, suggesting its connection to nature, and the right side (底) hints at the base or foundation.
Usage Notes
柢 is often used in more formal contexts or academic discussions, so avoid using it in casual conversation. It's commonly found in phrases related to foundational concepts, such as '基础柢' (fundamental basis). Be careful with tones; using the wrong tone could change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 柢 is not in the HSK levels, it shares roots with other characters like 基 (jī, foundation) and 根 (gēn, root). Focus on recognizing its components and meanings to connect it with other foundational vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, understanding the 'root' of a problem is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, reflecting the significance of the concept of roots in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 柢 with 根 (gēn), mistakenly using 柢 to refer to physical roots in casual contexts. Remember, 柢 is more abstract, referring to foundational concepts rather than literal roots.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 柢
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Cultural Notes for 柢
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, understanding the 'root' of a problem is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, reflecting the significance of the concept of roots in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 柢
Words Containing This Character2
柢dǐroot
归根结柢ultimately歸根結柢
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 柢 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 柢
No, 柢 is more frequently found in formal writing or academic contexts.
While both refer to 'root', 根 often refers to the physical root of a plant, whereas 柢 implies the foundational or underlying aspect.
You might encounter 柢 in phrases discussing foundational theories or principles in academic texts.
