gei1基
Jyutpinggei1
Yalegēi
Definition
Base or foundation, particularly the bottom of a building.
neutralother
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in compound words rather than as a standalone noun in daily speech. It appears most frequently in technical or architectural contexts related to construction and structural integrity. When discussing the literal bottom of an object, speakers usually prefer terms like 底 or 底部.
Examples
The foundation of this building is very stable.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word to mean a base in the sense of a military or organizational headquarters, as that is expressed by 基地.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
