Definition
底层 (dǐ céng) refers to the lowest layer in physical or social structures — the ground floor of a building, the bottom of a stack, or the lowest social class. Unlike 底 (dǐ), which is a general 'bottom/base' of a container or object, 底层 emphasizes the layer or level; and while 基层 (jī céng) specifically means 'grassroots level' within an organization, 底层 is the broader 'bottom rung' of society.
noun
ground floor (of a building)bottom (of a pile or stack)lowest rung (of society)
Examples
- 底层。Zhège chāoshì de dǐ céng mài shūcài hé shuǐguǒ.The ground floor of this supermarket sells vegetables and fruit.
- 底层。Xiāngzi de dǐ céng fàng zhe jǐ běn jiù shū.A few old books are placed at the bottom of the box.
- 底层。Xǔduō yímín dōu shēnghuó zài shèhuì de dǐ céng.Many immigrants live at the bottom of society.
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