dai2 zi2底子
Jyutpingdai2 zi2
Yaledái jí
Definition
Fundamental skill, foundation, or basic ability.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the underlying quality or training one has accumulated over time, often implying a hidden or long-term advantage. It is frequently used to discuss whether someone is naturally gifted or has put in the necessary groundwork to excel in a skill like sports, music, or language. You will often hear it used in the context of comparing someone's current performance to their past training.
Examples
He learned piano when he was young, so his foundation is very solid.
Your English foundation is so good, why are you worried about this exam?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 基礎, which is a more formal or academic term for foundation. 底子 carries a more colloquial, personal nuance, suggesting an inherent quality or a background that is part of the person's identity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
