地

• Pinyin: dì
• Hanzi breakdown: 地 = 土 (earth) + 也 (also, phonetic) — ground, earth, land

Meaning

Ground; earth; land; floor. Refers to the surface of the earth or the floor beneath one's feet.

As a noun (pronounced dì), refers to the ground, land, or territory. Forms many compounds: 地方 (place), 地图 (map), 地上 (on the ground), 地下 (underground). Not to be confused with 地 (de), the adverbial particle.

Examples

1. 地上有一本书。 There is a book on the ground.
2. 这块地很大。 This piece of land is very big.
3. 孩子们坐在地上玩。 The children sat on the ground and played.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, location

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 不要坐在地上。(Don't sit on the ground.)
• 地上很干净。(The floor is very clean.)

Don't Say

• 这个地很好 meaning 'this place is nice' (Use 地方 for place — say 这个地方很好)

Origin & History

Composed of 土 (earth) + 也 (also, phonetic component) — the ground beneath our feet, the earth.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal