What does 到底 mean in Chinese?

到底 (dào dǐ) means "finally; in the end; when all is said and done; after all; to the end; to the last" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 4.

How do you pronounce 到底?

到底 is pronounced "dào dǐ" in Mandarin Chinese. It is made up of 2 syllables.

What HSK level is 到底?

到底 is an HSK 4 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 4 on both the old and the new exam.

What characters make up 到底?

到底 is made up of the characters 到, 底. Each character has its own meaning and can appear in other words.

How do you write 到底?

You can practice writing 到底 using our stroke order tool.

到底 (dào dǐ), finally

到底

dào dǐ

finally; in the end; when all is said and done; after all

HSK 4verb

Characters in This Word

到底

Definitions

(verb) finally
in the end
when all is said and done
after all
to the end
to the last

Example Sentences

你到底想说什么？

Nǐ dàodǐ xiǎng shuō shénme

What exactly do you want to say?

Related Words

去(qù)· to go

→

究竟(jiū jìng)· to go to the bottom of a matter

→

九九归一(jiǔ jiǔ guī yī)· nine divide by nine is one (abacus rule)

→

到了(dào liǎo)· at last

→

Grammar Notes

After All (毕竟)HSK 4

Statement, 毕竟 + Undeniable Fact/Reason

After All / On Earth (到底)HSK 4

Subject + 到底 + Verb/Question

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 4
HSK 2.0: HSK 4
HSK Lord study list: HSK 3 list

到底: HSK 4 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 4 exam

Studying for HSK 4? Keep 到底 with the rest of your level.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.