to clap (one's hands) lightly (expressing delight) (Taiwan pr. [zhi3] for this sense)
HSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 扌, rank #8371, Hard
dǐ(di3) T3
1to press against
2to support
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March 24, 2026
抵dǐ(di3)
The character 抵 (dǐ) primarily means 'to press against' or 'to support.' It can also convey notions of resistance, equality, or balance in various contexts, such as financial transactions (like mortgages) or physical support. This character is used in both formal and informal situations, making it quite versatile.
Strokes8Radical扌Frequency#8371DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In modern Chinese banking, 抵押 (dǐyā) is a common term used in mortgages, reflecting the importance of property ownership and financial security in contemporary life. Understanding this term can provide insight into the financial practices prevalent in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong wall (the left radical 扌) that can resist pressure (the right radical 抵), symbolizing support and balance. Picture someone pushing against the wall, and you can remember 'dǐ' as 'to resist' or 'to prop up.' Visualize this scene to help recall the pronunciation.
Meanings of 抵
dǐ(di3)
1to press against
2to support
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 抵
抵Simplified
8Strokes
扌Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#8371Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 抵
Podcast: 抵
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AI Study Notes for 抵
Quick Contrast
抵 (dǐ) vs 支 (zhī) — use 抵 for pressing against or supporting, while 支 emphasizes providing or supporting in a more abstract or financial context.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong wall (the left radical 扌) that can resist pressure (the right radical 抵), symbolizing support and balance. Picture someone pushing against the wall, and you can remember 'dǐ' as 'to resist' or 'to prop up.' Visualize this scene to help recall the pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tones; 'dǐ' has a falling tone that can be confused with other similar-sounding words. Common collocations include 抵押 (dǐyā, 'to mortgage') and 抵抗 (dǐkàng, 'to resist'). It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but overly formal situations might require synonyms.
HSK Study Tips
Although 抵 is not a standard HSK vocabulary word, it connects with HSK Level 4 words related to finance and support, such as 贷款 (dàikuǎn, 'loan') and 支持 (zhīchí, 'support'). Focus on its various meanings to enhance your vocabulary in financial and physical contexts.
Cultural Note
In modern Chinese banking, 抵押 (dǐyā) is a common term used in mortgages, reflecting the importance of property ownership and financial security in contemporary life. Understanding this term can provide insight into the financial practices prevalent in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 抵 with similar-sounding characters like 低 (dī, 'low') due to tonal errors. For example, saying '低押' instead of '抵押' changes the meaning entirely. Always pay attention to tone for accurate communication.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 抵
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Grammar Patterns of 抵
抵 carries 11 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我走出门，竖起衣领____御冷雾。
I stepped outside and pulled up my collar against the cold mist.
Example Sentences for 抵 (10)
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1
我走出门，竖起衣领抵御冷雾。
wǒ zǒu chū mén， ， shù qǐ yī lǐng dǐ yù lěng。
I stepped outside and pulled up my collar against the cold mist.
2
成车的食物、毯子与其他必需品抵达了该市。
chéng chē de shí wù、 、 tǎn zǐ yǔ qí tā bì xū pǐn dǐ dá le gāi。
Truckloads of food, blankets, and other necessities reached the city.
If homeowners can't keep up the payments, they face foreclosure.
9
抵押贷款利率最近的回升可能会扼杀房地产的复苏。
dǐ yā dài kuǎn lì shuài zuì jìn de huí shēng kě néng huì è shā fáng dì chǎn de fù sū。
The recent rebound in mortgage rates could snuff out the housing recovery.
10
他笑了笑，不想让那个人产生抵触情绪。
tā xiào le xiào， ， bù xiǎng ràng nà gè rén chǎn shēng dǐ chù qíng。
He smiled, not wanting to put the man on the defensive.
Cultural Notes for 抵
🏮Cultural insight
In modern Chinese banking, 抵押 (dǐyā) is a common term used in mortgages, reflecting the importance of property ownership and financial security in contemporary life. Understanding this term can provide insight into the financial practices prevalent in Chinese society.
Word Family of 抵
Words Containing This Character20
抵抗dǐkàngto resist
抵达dǐdáto arrive抵達
抵dǐto support
抵押dǐyāto put up collateral
抵制dǐzhìto resist
抵挡dǐdǎngto resist抵擋
抵御dǐyùto resist抵禦
抵消dǐxiāoto counteract
抵触dǐchùto conflict抵觸
抵赖to disavow抵賴
抵债to repay a debt in kind or by labor抵債
抵押品mortgaged property
大抵by and large
抵抗力resistance
相抵to balance up
抵偿to compensate抵償
抵押物collateral (finance)
抵补to make good抵補
抵罪to be punished for a crime
抵充to use in payment
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 抵抗 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 抵
Common phrases include 抵押 (dǐyā, 'to mortgage') and 抵抗 (dǐkàng, 'to resist'). These phrases highlight its versatile usage in different contexts.
Yes, related characters include 支 (zhī, 'to support') and 付 (fù, 'to pay'), which can also be linked to financial contexts.
The correct pronunciation is 'dǐ' with a falling tone. Make sure to emphasize the tone to distinguish it from other characters.
