Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== mídǐ: 谜底 - The Answer to a Riddle, The Solution to a Mystery ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** 谜底, mídǐ, Chinese word for answer, answer to a riddle, solution to a mystery, reveal the truth, what does mídǐ mean, how to use 谜底, Chinese puzzles, 谜语, 答案 vs 谜底 * **Summary:** Discover the meaning of **谜底 (mídǐ)**, the captivating Chinese word for the 'answer to a riddle' or the 'solution to a mystery.' This guide explores its literal and figurative use, from guessing traditional lantern riddles to uncovering the truth in a complex situation. Learn how **谜底 (mídǐ)** is used in modern conversation, films, and literature to describe that satisfying "aha!" moment when a puzzle is finally solved. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** mí dǐ * **Part of Speech:** Noun * **HSK Level:** HSK 5 * **Concise Definition:** The answer to a riddle or the solution to a mystery. * **In a Nutshell:** **谜底 (mídǐ)** refers to the solution that was previously hidden, puzzling, or unknown. It's not just any answer; it's the specific answer that unravels a mystery, solves a puzzle, or reveals a secret. Think of it as the "punchline" to a riddle or the "big reveal" at the end of a detective story. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **谜 (mí):** This character is made of two parts. The radical on the left, `讠(yán)`, means "speech" or "words." The part on the right, `迷 (mí)`, means "to be lost, confused, or enchanted." Together, `谜 (mí)` represents a confusing or perplexing statement made with words—a riddle or a puzzle. * **底 (dǐ):** This character means "bottom," "base," or "end." It refers to the foundation of something. * **How they combine:** Literally, **谜底 (mídǐ)** means the "riddle's bottom." This evocative combination paints a picture of getting to the very bottom of a puzzle, finding the fundamental truth that was hidden beneath the confusing surface. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== * **谜底 (mídǐ)** is deeply connected to the popular Chinese tradition of solving riddles (`猜谜语 - cāi míyǔ`). This is a common activity during festivals, especially the Lantern Festival (`元宵节 - Yuánxiāojié`), where riddles are written on lanterns for people to guess. The moment of guessing correctly and learning the **谜底 (mídǐ)** is a moment of shared joy and cleverness. * **Comparison to Western Concepts:** While an English speaker might say "the solution to the case" or "the answer to the problem," these phrases can sound very technical or logical. **谜底 (mídǐ)** carries a more literary and dramatic flavor. It implies that the truth wasn't just unknown; it was artfully concealed, waiting to be cleverly unveiled. It's closer in feeling to "the great reveal" or "the plot twist" than it is to a simple "answer." This reflects a cultural appreciation for subtlety and the satisfaction of discovering a hidden meaning. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== * **Literal Usage (Riddles and Puzzles):** * In its most direct sense, **谜底 (mídǐ)** is used when talking about actual riddles, crosswords, puzzle games, or brain teasers. * **Figurative Usage (Mysteries and Secrets):** * This is an extremely common usage in modern Mandarin. **谜底 (mídǐ)** can refer to the truth behind any mysterious or unclear situation. * **In Media:** It's often used to discuss the ending of a mystery novel, the plot twist in a movie, or the final reveal in a TV show. * **In Daily Life:** You can use it to talk about the real reason behind a surprising event, the truth behind a rumor, or the outcome of a suspenseful situation (like who will win an award). The act of revealing the solution is often expressed as `揭晓谜底 (jiēxiǎo mídǐ)` - "to announce the answer." ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 这个灯谜的**谜底**是什么？我猜不出来。 * Pinyin: Zhège dēngmí de **mídǐ** shì shénme? Wǒ cāi bu chūlái. * English: What's the answer to this lantern riddle? I can't guess it. * Analysis: A straightforward, literal use of the word in a culturally specific context (lantern riddles). * **Example 2:** * 别着急，**谜底**马上就要揭晓了。 * Pinyin: Bié zhāojí, **mídǐ** mǎshàng jiù yào jiēxiǎo le. * English: Don't worry, the answer will be revealed very soon. * Analysis: Used figuratively to build suspense. This could refer to the winner of a competition, a major company announcement, or any situation with an unknown outcome. `揭晓 (jiēxiǎo)` is a very common verb to pair with `谜底`. * **Example 3:** * 直到书的最后一页，作者才公布了谋杀案的**谜底**。 * Pinyin: Zhídào shū de zuìhòu yí yè, zuòzhě cái gōngbù le móushā àn de **mídǐ**. * English: The author didn't reveal the solution to the murder case until the very last page of the book. * Analysis: A perfect example of its use in the context of literature and mystery stories. * **Example 4:** * 他突然辞职的真正原因，至今仍是一个谜，我们都想知道**谜底**。 * Pinyin: Tā tūrán cízhí de zhēnzhèng yuányīn, zhìjīn réng shì yí ge mí, wǒmen dōu xiǎng zhīdào **mídǐ**. * English: The real reason for his sudden resignation is still a mystery; we all want to know the real story. * Analysis: Shows how **谜底 (mídǐ)** is used to describe the hidden truth behind a real-life situation. * **Example 5:** * 科学家们正在努力寻找宇宙起源的**谜底**。 * Pinyin: Kēxuéjiāmen zhèngzài nǔlì xúnzhǎo yǔzhòu qǐyuán de **mídǐ**. * English: Scientists are working hard to find the solution to the origin of the universe. * Analysis: Here, **谜底 (mídǐ)** is used on a grand, philosophical scale. It frames a major scientific question as a profound mystery to be solved. * **Example 6:** * 电影的结尾，**谜底**终于被揭开，原来主角是双胞胎。 * Pinyin: Diànyǐng de jiéwěi, **mídǐ** zhōngyú bèi jiēkāi, yuánlái zhǔjué shì shuāngbāotāi. * English: At the end of the movie, the mystery was finally revealed—it turned out the protagonist was a twin. * Analysis: A classic use case for a plot twist. `被揭开 (bèi jiēkāi)` means "to be uncovered" or "to be revealed." * **Example 7:** * 快告诉我**谜底**吧，我的好奇心都快爆炸了！ * Pinyin: Kuài gàosù wǒ **mídǐ** ba, wǒ de hàoqíxīn dōu kuài bàozhà le! * English: Hurry up and tell me the answer, my curiosity is about to explode! * Analysis: Demonstrates the informal, conversational use of the word when someone is eager to know a secret or solution. * **Example 8:** * 经过长时间的调查，警方终于找到了案件的**谜底**。 * Pinyin: Jīngguò cháng shíjiān de diàochá, jǐngfāng zhōngyú zhǎodào le ànjiàn de **mídǐ**. * English: After a long investigation, the police finally found the solution to the case. * Analysis: Similar to the detective novel example, but applied to a real-world criminal investigation. * **Example 9:** * 为什么那家公司会失败？这个问题的**谜底**其实很简单：管理不善。 * Pinyin: Wèishéme nà jiā gōngsī huì shībài? Zhège wèntí de **mídǐ** qíshí hěn jiǎndān: guǎnlǐ bùshàn. * English: Why did that company fail? The answer to this question is actually simple: poor management. * Analysis: This shows **谜底 (mídǐ)** being used to frame a business problem as a puzzle to be solved. * **Example 10:** * 在魔术表演的最后，魔术师向观众解释了**谜底**。 * Pinyin: Zài móshù biǎoyǎn de zuìhòu, móshùshī xiàng guānzhòng jiěshì le **mídǐ**. * English: At the end of the magic show, the magician explained the secret (of the trick) to the audience. * Analysis: A magic trick is a perfect "puzzle," and its explanation is the **谜底 (mídǐ)**. ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== * **`谜底 (mídǐ)` vs. `答案 (dá'àn)` - The Golden Rule:** * This is the most common point of confusion for learners. * **`答案 (dá'àn)`** is the general word for "answer." Use it for exam questions, math problems, or any direct question seeking information (e.g., "What is the answer to question 5?"). * **`谜底 (mídǐ)`** is specific. Use it only when the question is a riddle, puzzle, mystery, or a situation with a hidden, secret, or suspenseful solution. * **Example of Incorrect Usage:** * //WRONG:// `老师，这道数学题的**谜底**是什么？` (Lǎoshī, zhè dào shùxué tí de mídǐ shì shénme?) * **Why it's wrong:** A math problem is a straightforward question, not a mystery. It has a logical `答案 (dá'àn)`, not a hidden `谜底 (mídǐ)`. * //CORRECT:// `老师，这道数学题的**答案**是什么？` (Lǎoshī, zhè dào shùxué tí de dá'àn shì shénme?) ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * `[[谜语]] (míyǔ)` - A riddle; a verbal puzzle. This is the thing that //has// a **谜底**. * `[[答案]] (dá'àn)` - Answer (general). The most important term to contrast with **谜底**. It is a neutral, all-purpose word for an answer. * `[[揭晓]] (jiēxiǎo)` - To announce publicly, to reveal (especially a result or secret). A common verb used with **谜底**, as in `揭晓谜底`. * `[[真相]] (zhēnxiàng)` - The truth; the real situation. The figurative meaning of **谜底** is often the `真相` of a matter. * `[[谜团]] (mítuán)` - A mystery; a baffling situation (literally a "ball of riddles"). A complex **谜团** is solved when you find the **谜底**. * `[[悬念]] (xuánniàn)` - Suspense. The feeling of anticipation you have while waiting for the **谜底** to be revealed. * `[[秘密]] (mìmì)` - A secret. Revealing a `秘密` is like revealing the **谜底**. * `[[猜]] (cāi)` - To guess. The action you perform to try and figure out the **谜底**. * `[[解决]] (jiějué)` - To solve (a problem). While you `解决` a problem (`问题`), you //find// or //reveal// a **谜底**.