殆 (dài) - dangerous, perilous & nearly, almost

殆Tone 4

dài ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

殆 · dài

dangerous, perilous;

nearly, almost;

probably, perhaps;

exhausted, worn out

dangerous, perilousnearly, almostprobably, perhaps

Usage highlights

perilous situationalmost certainlynearly exhaustedprobably impossibledangerous and uncertainnearly lose

Synonyms

  • 危— dangerous, perilous
  • 几— almost, nearly
  • 疲— tired, exhausted

Antonyms

  • 安— safe, secure
  • 全— complete, safe
  • 盈— full, abundant

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The patient's condition is critical (病人病势危殆).
  • He almost missed the train (他殆误了火车).
  • This plan is probably not feasible (此计划殆不可行).
  • After the long march, the soldiers were exhausted (长途行军后士兵们力殆).

Collocations

  • perilous situation(危殆)
  • almost certainly(殆必)
  • nearly exhausted(力殆)
  • probably impossible(殆不可能)
  • dangerous and uncertain(危殆不安)
  • nearly lose(殆失)

Idioms

  • Perilous as a pile of eggs(危如累卵)
  • Knowing is near, not knowing is far(知者殆近，不知者殆远)
  • Exhaust one's resources and waste one's strength(殆尽人力)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical Chinese philosophy, 殆 often appears in texts discussing danger, uncertainty, and the limits of knowledge.
  • The character combines the 'death' radical with the 'platform/terrace' component, suggesting a precarious situation.
  • Used in military contexts to describe exhausted troops or dangerous tactical positions.

FAQ