Meanings of 底
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About 底
Podcast: 底
Podcast: 底
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AI Study Notes for 底
Common mistakes include confusing 底 (dǐ) with 的 (de), which is a possessive particle. While both can imply 'of', 底 specifically relates to the concept of 'bottom' or 'base'. Be cautious of tone pronunciation; using the wrong tone can change the meaning completely.
At HSK Level 4, students should focus on recognizing and using 底 in different contexts, especially in phrases related to time (like 'the end of the month') or discussing foundational concepts. It connects with other HSK words that express location or position.
Learners often confuse 底 with other similar characters like 低 (dī), which means 'low'. For example, saying '底很低' (dǐ hěn dī) incorrectly mixes terms; it should be '底很深' (dǐ hěn shēn) if referring to depth.
Pronunciation of 底
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How Well Do You Know 底?
Learning Lab
Knowing 底 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 底
Phonosemantic compound. 广 represents the meaning and 氐 represents the sound.
building
Origin
底 = 广 + 氐. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 底
Parts
Which of these is part of 底?
How to say (equivalent to 的 as possessive particle) in Chinese
“(equivalent to 的 as possessive particle)” in Chinese is底
The character 底 (dǐ) primarily means 'bottom' or 'base' and can refer to the lowest part of something or the fundamental aspect of a situation. It is often used in various contexts, such as describing the bottom of an object, the end of a time period, or in expressions like 'the background' of an event or a person's situation.
When to use 底
Common mistakes include confusing 底 (dǐ) with 的 (de), which is a possessive particle. While both can imply 'of', 底 specifically relates to the concept of 'bottom' or 'base'. Be cautious of tone pronunciation; using the wrong tone can change the meaning completely.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 底 with other similar characters like 低 (dī), which means 'low'. For example, saying '底很低' (dǐ hěn dī) incorrectly mixes terms; it should be '底很深' (dǐ hěn shēn) if referring to depth.
Write 底
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Practice writing 底 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 底
底 carries 8 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
那也不合适，这也不对，我真的不明白她到____想怎样。
That's not suitable either, this isn't right either — I really don't understand what she actually wants.
Common Confusions with 底
Both share the same pronunciation but have different meanings.
Both are pronounced similarly but refer to different familial relations.
的 indicates possession, while 底 can also denote a base or bottom in certain contexts.
这就是我的底。
的 indicates possession, while 底 can also denote a base or bottom in certain contexts.
Which one
Which one means “background”?
Usage Notes for 底
Learners often confuse 底 with 的 due to their similar sounds and appearances.
我想知道这个问题的底。
I want to know the bottom of this issue.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我想知道这个问题的____。
I want to know the bottom of this issue.
Example Sentences for 底 (10)
Rebuild it
Rebuild it: “I held my breath and sank under the water.”
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Cultural Notes for 底
The character '底' is often used in phrases related to the 'bottom' or 'base' of objects, but it also plays a significant role in Chinese cultural metaphors, such as '底细' (dǐxì), which means the bottom line or the essence of something.
Word Family of 底
Words with 底
What does 到底 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 底
底 (dǐ) and 的 (de) serve different functions in Chinese. While 的 is a possessive particle used to show possession or modification, 底 can mean 'bottom' or 'base' and is used in various contexts. Understanding their usage is key to mastering sentence structure.
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