底 names a bottom and appears in words for thoroughness. Learn its readings in complete words.
The idea
底 has 8 strokes; follow the linked diagram. 底 is そこ alone, 湖底 is こてい, and 靴底 is くつぞこ: the compound changes そ to ぞ. 徹底 is てってい.
Examples
- 海の底に砂があります。There is sand at the bottom of the sea.
- この鍋の底は厚いです。The bottom of this pot is thick.
- 箱の底で鍵を見つけました。I found a key at the bottom of the box.
- 湖底がよく見えます。The lake bottom is clearly visible.
- 靴底を確認してください。Please check the sole of your shoe.
- 原因を徹底して調べました。We thoroughly checked the cause.
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Watch out
底 is a bottom or base; 低 means low. In 徹底 the meaning is thoroughness, not a physical bottom.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 底 in hiragana.
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そこ
底 is そこ: 海の底 is the bottom of the sea.
Write the reading of 湖底 in hiragana.
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こてい
湖底 is こてい, the bottom of a lake; 底 is てい here.
Choose the missing kanji: 徹＿（てってい）［底／低］.
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底
底 completes 徹底（てってい）, meaning thoroughness; 低 is a different kanji.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 底 in hiragana.
Write the reading of 湖底 in hiragana.
Choose the missing kanji: 徹＿（てってい）［底／低］.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write 底 using the diagram, cover the readings, then make a sentence with 湖底 or 靴底.