彻底

• Pinyin: chè dǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 彻 = 彳 (step) + 育 (simplified) + 攵 (strike), meaning to penetrate; 底 = 广 (shelter) + 氐 (low), meaning bottom

Meaning

Thorough; complete; utter. Describes doing something fully without leaving anything out.

Used as both an adjective and adverb. When modifying a verb, it means doing something completely and leaving nothing unaddressed. Can describe cleaning, solving problems, changing, or reforming. Carries a strong sense of totality.

Examples

1. 这次我要彻底打扫一下房间。 This time I want to thoroughly clean the room.
2. 他的态度彻底改变了。 His attitude completely changed.
3. 医生建议做一次彻底的身体检查。 The doctor suggested having a thorough physical examination.

Usage Guide

Context: action, description, everyday

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 这个问题需要彻底解决。(This problem needs to be thoroughly resolved.)
• 她彻底放弃了那个计划。(She completely gave up that plan.)

Don't Say

• 我彻底喝了一杯水 (Don't use 彻底 for simple completed actions like drinking water — it implies deep, complete transformation or resolution)

Origin & History

彻 means to penetrate or go through; 底 means bottom. Together they convey the idea of going all the way to the bottom — hence, thoroughness.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal