底气

底氣

dǐqì

noun #32,362

Meanings

1 confidence; self-assurance (figurative — 'inner strength backing one's words')
2 lung power; vocal projection (literal, e.g. of a singer)

Characters

air; breath; energy

Examples

他说话很有底气，因为他做了充分的准备。

Tā shuōhuà hěn yǒu dǐqì, yīnwèi tā zuòle chōngfèn de zhǔnbèi.

He speaks with great confidence because he prepared thoroughly.

这位歌手的底气十足。

Zhè wèi gēshǒu de dǐqì shízú.

This singer has tremendous lung power.

没有数据支持，我说话就没底气。

Méiyǒu shùjù zhīchí, wǒ shuōhuà jiù méi dǐqì.

Without data to back me up, I have no confidence when I speak.

Tips

memory

Literally 'bottom-air' — the breath that comes from deep in your diaphragm. Singers and orators are said to have 底气 because their voice is supported from below; metaphorically, the 'bottom' is your preparation, evidence, or backing — what gives your words weight.

usage

Common collocations: 有底气 'have confidence', 没底气 'lack confidence', 底气十足 'brimming with confidence', 底气不足 'lacking conviction'. Closely related to 信心 (xìnxīn) but more visceral — 底气 is felt in the chest, 信心 is in the mind.

Stroke Order

底 dǐ

气 qì