底
bottom; base; end (of a period)
dǐ
What does 底 mean?
底 (dǐ) is primarily a noun meaning 'bottom,' 'base,' or 'underside' — the lowest part of an object (瓶底 bottom of a bottle, 鞋底 sole of a shoe). By extension it means the 'end' of a time period (月底 end of the month, 年底 end of the year), the 'background / base color' of a surface, and figuratively the underlying 'basis' or 'the full truth' of a matter (到底 = 'in the end / after all,' 心里有底 = 'to feel sure / have a handle on it'). It is neutral in register.
Note: although the seed lists 底 as equivalent to the possessive particle 的, that is an obsolete literary usage not used in modern Mandarin — today 底 means bottom/base/end. The idiomatic 到底 is especially common, meaning both 'to the very end' and 'what on earth' in questions.
Character breakdown
bottom; base; underside; end
Memory hook: 广 (shelter) over 氐 (low/base) — the low base at the bottom of something.
Example sentences
杯子底有一点水。
Bēizi dǐ yǒu yìdiǎn shuǐ.
There's a little water at the bottom of the cup.
neutral
这个项目月底就要完成。
Zhège xiàngmù yuèdǐ jiù yào wánchéng.
This project has to be finished by the end of the month.
neutral
你到底想说什么？
Nǐ dàodǐ xiǎng shuō shénme?
What on earth are you trying to say?
spoken
我心里有底了，不用担心。
Wǒ xīnlǐ yǒu dǐ le, búyòng dānxīn.
I've got a handle on it now, no need to worry.
spoken
Common phrases with 底
Synonyms
下面 means 'below / underneath,' a position relative to something. 底 means the bottom part itself of an object or period. The 底 of a cup is its base; 下面 is the space under the cup.
Don't confuse 底 with
低 (dī, 1st tone) is an adjective/verb 'low; to lower' (低头 lower one's head). 底 (dǐ, 3rd tone) is a noun 'bottom.' Similar shape and sound, different tone and meaning.
FAQ
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