dai2 sin3底線底线
Jyutpingdai2 sin3
Yaledái sin
Definition
A bottom line, minimum acceptable limit, or a baseline on a sports court.
- the minimum acceptable limit; bottom line
- the baseline or endline on a sports court
colloquialotherpeople
How it's used
Beyond its literal meaning in sports, this term is frequently used in interpersonal or business contexts to describe the absolute minimum standard or the point beyond which one will refuse to compromise. It carries a sense of firmness and finality, often signaling that the speaker has reached the end of their patience or negotiation room.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
This price is already my bottom line, it cannot be any cheaper.
Do you have any principles? How can you cheat people like that?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with the English loanword bottom line, but in Cantonese, it is specifically used to denote a moral or practical boundary rather than just a financial profit result.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
