地 (dì)
There are two pronunciation and meanings of 地. One is “de”, the other is “dì”. When pronouncing as “de”, it is an auxiliary word (check it into details here). When pronouncing as “dì”, it is a noun, which we are focusing on here.
地 (dì) primarily means “ground,” “earth,” or “land.” It can also be used to indicate a place or location. 地 is often used in compound words and phrases related to locations, spaces, and certain abstract concepts.
e.g.
- 地面 (dì miàn) ground, surface
- 地球 (dì qiú) Earth (the planet)
- 土地 (tǔ dì) land, territory
- 地方 (dì fāng) place, region
- 地板 (dì bǎn) floor
土 (tǔ)
土 (tǔ) means “soil,” “earth,” or “dirt.” It can also refer to being rustic or unsophisticated. 土 is often used in contexts related to agriculture, construction, and describing certain qualities of being earthy or unsophisticated.
e.g.
- 土壤 (tǔ rǎng) soil
- 泥土 (ní tǔ) dirt, soil
- 土豆 (tǔ dòu) potato
- 土地 (tǔ dì) land, territory
- 土气 (tǔ qì) rustic, unsophisticated
Exercise
