dai2柢
Jyutpingdai2
Yaledái
Definition
Foundation or base.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Although written as 柢 in formal contexts, native speakers almost exclusively use 底 to represent this sound and meaning in daily life. It functions as a versatile noun for the bottom of an object, the foundation of an argument, or a person's hidden history or background. Using the character 柢 will likely confuse readers as it is rarely seen outside of specific dictionary entries.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the character 柢, which is effectively obsolete in modern Cantonese writing. Always use 底 when referring to a base, bottom, or background to ensure your writing is natural and readable.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
