gan1 dai2根底
Jyutpinggan1 dai2
Yalegān dái
Definition
Foundation; the established basis of a skill or field of knowledge.
colloquialworkschool
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the depth of knowledge or skill acquired over time, often implying a long-term accumulation of experience. It is frequently used to explain why someone excels at a complex task or picks up new related skills quickly. Unlike basic knowledge, it suggests a structural depth that supports further development.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He learned piano when he was young, so his foundation is very solid.
What do you think of his foundation in drawing?
Related words
Common phrases
to have a good foundation
to have a solid foundation
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 基礎, which is a more general term for any kind of foundation or basis. 根底 carries a stronger nuance of personal background, training, or inherent capability developed over time.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
