Meanings of 底子
By ear
Play it, then pick what 底子 means.
About 底子
Podcast: 底子
Podcast: 底子
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 底子
底子 (foundation) vs 基础 (basis) — use 底子 for a more concrete or foundational aspect, while 基础 often refers to a broader or more abstract level of support.
Common mistakes include confusing 底子 (dǐzi) with related terms like 底 (dǐ) alone, which means 'bottom' but lacks the nuance of 'foundation'. It's generally informal, so avoid using it in very formal contexts. Common collocations include '基础底子' (jīchǔ dǐzi) meaning 'basic foundation'.
While 底子 (dǐzi) is not an HSK word, it connects to Level 3 vocabulary about basic concepts and structures. Focus on its usage in everyday contexts to enhance your understanding of foundational language constructs.
Learners often confuse 底子 (dǐzi) with 底 (dǐ), using it incorrectly as a standalone term for 'bottom'. For example, saying '这是底' (zhè shì dǐ) instead of '这是底子' (zhè shì dǐzi) can lead to confusion.
Pronunciation of 底子
Drill the tone of 底子, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 底子 to you
Let me explain 底子 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 底子 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 底子?
Learning Lab
Knowing 底子 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say base in Chinese
“base” in Chinese is底子
底子 (dǐzi) refers to the base or foundation of something, often implying the underlying support that something rests upon. It can be used in both literal contexts, like the bottom of a container, and metaphorical ones, such as a person's fundamental qualities or abilities.
When to use 底子
Common mistakes include confusing 底子 (dǐzi) with related terms like 底 (dǐ) alone, which means 'bottom' but lacks the nuance of 'foundation'. It's generally informal, so avoid using it in very formal contexts. Common collocations include '基础底子' (jīchǔ dǐzi) meaning 'basic foundation'.
底子 or something close to it
底子 (foundation) vs 基础 (basis) — use 底子 for a more concrete or foundational aspect, while 基础 often refers to a broader or more abstract level of support.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 底子 (dǐzi) with 底 (dǐ), using it incorrectly as a standalone term for 'bottom'. For example, saying '这是底' (zhè shì dǐ) instead of '这是底子' (zhè shì dǐzi) can lead to confusion.
Write 底子
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 底子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Common confusions with 底子
Similar pronunciation but different meaning and usage
Same radical but different usage
Which one
Which one means “base”?
Usage Notes for 底子
Learners sometimes confuse 底子 with similar terms like 基础 (foundation).
基础与底子有区别。
There is a difference between foundation and base.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
基础与____有区别。
There is a difference between foundation and base.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 底子?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 底子
Generally, 底子 is more informal and is best suited for casual conversations or writings.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 底子?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.