底
Character learning workspace

de / dǐ · bottom, underside

Master the form, understand its parts, and learn how it behaves in real Chinese.

HSK 2.0 · Level 4HSK 3.0 · Level 4Frequency #849
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Learn every stroke in 底

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Stroke graphics: Make Me a Hanzi / Arphic Public License
Sound changes meaning

Readings & meanings

底 has 2 dictionary pronunciations. The examples show how each reading behaves in real words.

de

(equivalent to 的 as possessive particle)

dǐ

bottom; base; background; foundation

到底dào dǐ · finally
Step-by-step explorer

See how 底 is constructed

Switch between the accumulated form and the isolated movement of each stroke.

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Writing notes

Shape and proportion

8Total strokes

Count each continuous pen movement once, including turns and hooks.

Upper-left enclosureCharacter structure

Keep the outer frame stable without crowding the enclosed strokes.

广Key radical

Use the highlighted radical in the animation as a visual anchor for remembering the form.

Print and practise

Download a 底 writing sheet

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Vocabulary in context

Common words with 底

Open a word for its full breakdown, or listen before reading the meaning.

dǐbottom; base; background; foundation
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Example sentences

Notice where 底 sits in each complete thought.

Nǐ dào dǐ xiǎng bu xiǎng tán nà jiàn shì?你到底想不想谈那件事?

Don't you want to talk about it at all?

Source: Tatoeba #8881161 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Wǒ duǒ zài le chuáng dǐxià.我躲在了床底下。

I hid myself under the bed.

Source: Tatoeba #1865391 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Tā de jiā měi zhōu chè dǐ dǎ sǎo yí cì.他的家每周彻底打扫一次。

His house is cleaned thoroughly once a week.

Source: Tatoeba #3660681 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Wǒ dǎ xīn dǐ lǐ gǎn jī nǐ.我打心底里感激你。

I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Source: Tatoeba #4759994 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Nǐ dào dǐ shì shuí?你到底是谁?

Who are you, anyway?

Source: Tatoeba #10260746 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Nǐ dào dǐ shì zěn me zuò dào de  ?你到底是怎么做到的 ?

How exactly did you do it?

Source: Tatoeba #1169506 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Turn reference into recall

How to study 底 in context

  1. Say de / dǐ, then recall the core meaning: bottom, underside.
  2. Write all 8 strokes while keeping the upper-left enclosure balanced.
  3. Use it in 到底 (dào dǐ), meaning “finally”.
  4. Read the complete sentence aloud once, then cover the translation and explain how 底 works in that context.

Definitions and traditional forms are compiled from Make Me a Hanzi, HSK curriculum data, and CC-CEDICT. Sourced example sentences link to Tatoeba; editorial examples are labeled separately. Review data sources and licenses.