Meaning
The kanji 底 represents the concept of "bottom," "base," or "depth." It's a versatile character that describes the lowest point of physical objects, the deepest parts of natural phenomena, and even the core of abstract ideas and emotions.
When you think of the bottom of the sea, the sole of a shoe, or the very core of a problem, 底 is the kanji that comes to mind. Its origin comes from a clever combination of components, forming a phono-semantic compound.
The top part, 广, serves as the radical. It visually suggests a building or a roof, often hinting at structures or enclosed spaces. Below it, the component 氏 (which also appears in the ancient form 氐) originally depicted a person bowing low or the roots of a tree, signifying a sense of being "low" or at the "base."
Together, these elements clearly illustrate the kanji's meaning: the bottom or foundation of a structure under a roof. Over time, this meaning expanded from the literal base of a building to encompass the bottom of anything, such as a container, a body of water, or even the depths of one's feelings.
This kanji is a Grade 4 Kyōiku kanji, meaning Japanese elementary school children learn it in their fourth year. It is also an important part of the JLPT N2 level vocabulary. Composed of 8 strokes, its relatively simple stroke count reflects its fundamental role in the Japanese writing system.
Readings
The kanji 底 has both On'yomi (Chinese-derived readings) and Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings). Each is used in different contexts to convey its various meanings.
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 底 is テイ (tei). This reading often appears in more formal compound words, especially when discussing thoroughness, foundations, or absolute limits.
徹底 (tettei) — meaning "thoroughness" or "completeness." It refers to going to the very end of something, ensuring nothing is left untouched. For example, 徹底的に 調べる (tetteiteki ni shiraberu) means "to investigate thoroughly."
到底 (toutei) — typically used with negative verbs to mean "(cannot) possibly" or "utterly." This conveys an absolute impossibility or reaching the limit of what can be done. For example, 到底 無理だ (toutei muri da) means "it's utterly impossible."
根底 (kontei) — refers to the "root," "basis," or "foundation" of something, often an idea, problem, or belief. It points to the deepest underlying cause or principle.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi reading is そこ (soko). This reading is more commonly used for concrete, physical "bottoms" and depths, as well as the profound depths of emotions or situations.
底 (soko) — used by itself, it means "bottom," "sole," or "depths." For instance, 箱の底 (hako no soko) refers to the bottom of a box.
海底 (kaitei) — literally "sea bottom," meaning the "seabed" or "ocean floor."
どん底 (donzoko) — This powerful expression means "the very bottom" or "rock bottom." It often refers to a desperate or miserable situation. For example, 人生のどん底 (jinsei no donzoko) means "the rock bottom of one's life."
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 底 appears in many common words and compounds, showing its wide application in Japanese. Here are some key examples, grouped by their thematic connections:
Physical Bottoms & Surfaces
底 (soko) — Bottom; sole; depth. (e.g., the bottom of a cup, the sole of a shoe)
海底 (kaitei) — Seabed; ocean floor.
川底 (kawazoko) — Riverbed.
谷底 (tanizoko) — Bottom of a ravine or valley.
靴底 (kutsuzoko) — Sole of a shoe.
鍋底 (nabezoko) — Bottom of a pot.
Thoroughness & Limits
徹底 (tettei) — Thoroughness; completeness; exhaustive.
到底 (toutei) — (cannot) possibly; utterly (used with negative expressions).
底値 (sokone) — Bottom price; lowest price.
どん底 (donzoko) — The very bottom; rock bottom (often used for severe situations).
Abstract Bases & Foundations
根底 (kontei) — Root; basis; foundation (often for abstract concepts like beliefs or problems).
底辺 (teihen) — Base (of a triangle or other geometric figure); the lowest rung (of society or an organization).
心底 (shinsoko) — From the bottom of one's heart; truly; deeply.
基底 (kitei) — Base; foundation; basis (often in a more technical or scientific context).
底力 (sokojikara) — Latent power; reserve strength; inner strength.
Example Sentences
海の底にはまだ見ぬ生物がたくさんいる。
Umi no soko ni wa mada minu seibutsu ga takusan iru.
There are many unseen creatures at the bottom of the sea.
彼は何事も徹底的にやらないと気が済まない。
Kare wa nanigoto mo tetteiteki ni yaranai to ki ga sumanai.
He isn't satisfied unless he does everything thoroughly.
そんな計画は到底無理だ。
Sonna keikaku wa toutei muri da.
Such a plan is utterly impossible.
靴の底がすり減ってしまった。
Kutsu no soko ga surihette shimatta.
The soles of my shoes have worn down.
心の底から感謝しています。
Kokoro no soko kara kansha shiteimasu.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
彼の発言の底には深い悲しみがあった。
Kare no hatsugen no soko ni wa fukai kanashimi ga atta.
There was deep sadness at the bottom of his remarks.
鍋の底が焦げ付いてしまった。
Nabe no soko ga kogetsuiteshimatta.
The bottom of the pot got burnt.
この問題の根底には、経済格差がある。
Kono mondai no kontei ni wa, keizai kakusa ga aru.
At the root of this problem lies economic disparity.
どん底から這い上がってきた彼は、本当に強い。
Donzoko kara haiagatte kita kare wa, hontou ni tsuyoi.
He, who crawled up from rock bottom, is truly strong.
船の底を確認して、異常がないか調べた。
Fune no soko o kakunin shite, ijou ga nai ka shirabeta.
I checked the bottom of the boat to see if there were any abnormalities.
Memory Tip
To remember 底, imagine a clear visual. The kanji begins with the radical 广, which looks like a roof or a covering structure. Below this roof, you see the component 氏, which can represent a "family" or people. Now, picture a family sitting comfortably on the "floor" or "bottom" of their house, under a sheltering roof. This image helps capture the meaning of 底: the base or bottom part that provides stability and support, much like the foundation beneath a roof where people reside. Think of it as "the bottom where people under a roof can sit." This mnemonic connects the visual components directly to the idea of being at the lowest part or foundation.