dai2 sai3底細底细
Jyutpingdai2 sai3
Yaledái sai
Definition
Background, identity, past record, or details about a person.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Often implies that the information being sought is sensitive, private, or potentially incriminating. It is frequently used in contexts involving investigation, suspicion, or assessing whether someone is trustworthy. The term carries a slightly secretive or detective-like nuance compared to more neutral words for background.
Examples
He is very careful and does not want people to dig into his past.
Related words
Common phrases
to investigate someone's background
to get to the bottom of someone's history
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general background information like educational qualifications or professional history, which are better described as 背景 or 履歷. 底細 specifically refers to hidden details or a person's true character and history that they might prefer to keep concealed.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
