dì: 递 - To Pass, To Hand Over, To Deliver

• Keywords: 递, di, pass, hand over, deliver, submit, 递交, 快递, express delivery, Chinese verb, learn Chinese, pass object Chinese, hand over document Chinese.
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese verb 递 (dì), which means “to pass,” “hand over,” or “deliver.” This page breaks down its use from simple everyday actions, like passing the salt, to its crucial role in modern life through 快递 (kuàidì), or express delivery. Understand how this single character forms the basis for submitting documents, passing items respectfully, and navigating China's e-commerce world.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): dì
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To pass, hand over, or deliver an object from one person or place to another.
• In a Nutshell: 递 (dì) is the action verb you use for the physical transfer of an object. Think of it as bridging the gap between two hands or two points. When you hand a pen to a classmate, pass a document to your boss, or a mail carrier delivers a letter, the core action is 递 (dì). It emphasizes the movement and the act of transfer itself.

• 递 (dì) is a phono-semantic compound character, meaning it combines a part for meaning and a part for sound.
  • Radical 辶 (chuò): This is the “walk” radical. It is found in characters related to movement, travel, or distance, such as 送 (sòng - to send) and 进 (jìn - to enter). It provides the core meaning of movement and sending something along.
  • Phonetic Component 弟 (dì): This character means “younger brother” and primarily provides the pronunciation “dì” to the combined character.
• Combined Meaning: The “walk” radical (movement) plus the “dì” sound creates 递, a verb for passing something along a path or from one person to another. You can imagine something being passed down a line, as if from an older person to a younger one, over a short distance.

While 递 (dì) is a simple action verb, the *way* you perform the action is culturally significant in China. It reflects the underlying values of respect (尊敬 - zūnjìng) and politeness (礼貌 - lǐmào). In the West, handing someone an object is often a casual, one-handed affair. In China, especially in formal settings or when showing respect, it is proper etiquette to 递 an item (like a business card, a gift, or a document) to another person using both hands. The receiver should also accept it with both hands. This gesture signifies that you are presenting the item with care and sincerity, and that you hold the other person in high regard. For a learner, simply changing the physical habit of passing something from one hand to two can instantly convey a level of cultural awareness and respect that will be deeply appreciated, whether you're giving your passport to an official or a business card to a new contact.

递 (dì) is a highly practical verb used in numerous modern contexts. 1. Everyday Interactions: This is the most common usage, referring to passing an object within arm's reach.

• Passing food at the dinner table: `请把筷子递给我。` (Please pass me the chopsticks.)
• Handing an item to someone: `他递给我一支笔。` (He handed me a pen.)

2. Formal & Business Settings: Here, 递 often combines with other characters, like in 递交 (dìjiāo), which means “to submit” or “hand in” formally.

• Submitting a resume: `我把简历递交给了人事部。` (I submitted my resume to the HR department.)
• Handing in a report: `请在周五前把报告递上来。` (Please hand in the report before Friday.)

3. Logistics & E-commerce: This is where 递 has become a cornerstone of modern Chinese life through the word 快递 (kuàidì) - express delivery. With the explosion of online shopping platforms like Taobao and JD.com, 快递 is an indispensable part of daily vocabulary.

• Talking about a package: `我的快递到哪儿了？` (Where is my delivery package?)
• Referring to the service: `我用顺丰快递寄的。` (I sent it via SF Express.)

• Example 1:
  • 请把那本书递给我，谢谢。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ nà běn shū dì gěi wǒ, xièxie.
  • English: Please pass me that book, thank you.
  • Analysis: A classic, polite request. This is the most fundamental use of 递 for passing an object between people.
• Example 2:
  • 开会时，他递给我一张名片。
  • Pinyin: Kāihuì shí, tā dì gěi wǒ yī zhāng míngpiàn.
  • English: During the meeting, he handed me a business card.
  • Analysis: This highlights a common business scenario. Remember the cultural tip: he likely passed it, and you should receive it, with two hands.
• Example 3:
  • 他向我递了一个眼色，让我别说话。
  • Pinyin: Tā xiàng wǒ dì le yí ge yǎnsè, ràng wǒ bié shuōhuà.
  • English: He gave me a look (lit. “passed me a glance”), telling me not to speak.
  • Analysis: A fantastic figurative use. 递 can be used for non-physical things like a look or a signal, implying a clear, intentional “passing” of a message.
• Example 4:
  • 我明天要把签证申请递交上去。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ míngtiān yào bǎ qiānzhèng shēnqǐng dìjiāo shàngqù.
  • English: I have to submit my visa application tomorrow.
  • Analysis: Here, 递交 (dìjiāo) is used, which is more formal than just 递 and is standard for official documents, applications, and reports.
• Example 5:
  • 你的快递到了，在楼下前台。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ de kuàidì dào le, zài lóuxià qiántái.
  • English: Your express delivery has arrived, it's at the front desk downstairs.
  • Analysis: An extremely common sentence in modern China. Note how 递 is the core of 快递 (kuàidì).
• Example 6:
  • 服务员递过来一份菜单。
  • Pinyin: Fúwùyuán dì guòlái yī fèn càidān.
  • English: The waiter handed over a menu.
  • Analysis: The directional complement `过来 (guòlái)` adds the sense of movement towards the speaker, making the action more vivid.
• Example 7:
  • 这封信是由邮递员递送的。
  • Pinyin: Zhè fēng xìn shì yóu yóudìyuán dìsòng de.
  • English: This letter was delivered by the mail carrier.
  • Analysis: Shows two related words: 邮递员 (yóudìyuán) (postman) and 递送 (dìsòng) (to deliver, formal). Both use 递 as their root.
• Example 8:
  • 他把辞职信递到了老板的桌子上。
  • Pinyin: Tā bǎ cízhíxìn dì dào le lǎobǎn de zhuōzi shàng.
  • English: He placed his resignation letter on the boss's desk.
  • Analysis: The resultative complement `到 (dào)` indicates the successful completion of the action—the letter has arrived at its destination.
• Example 9:
  • 请依次递传这份文件。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng yīcì dìchuán zhè fèn wénjiàn.
  • English: Please pass this document down the line in order.
  • Analysis: 递传 (dìchuán) is a less common but useful word meaning to pass something from one person to the next in a sequence.
• Example 10:
  • 他从口袋里掏出钥匙递给我。
  • Pinyin: Tā cóng kǒudài lǐ tāochū yàoshi dì gěi wǒ.
  • English: He took the keys out of his pocket and handed them to me.
  • Analysis: This sentence paints a clear picture of a sequence of actions, with 递 being the final act of transfer.

• `递 (dì)` vs. `给 (gěi)`: This is a common point of confusion.
  • 给 (gěi): “To give.” It's a general-purpose verb focusing on the transfer of possession or the benefit to someone. It doesn't describe the physical action.
  • 递 (dì): “To pass/hand over.” It specifically describes the physical action of moving an object from one person to another, often over a short distance.
  • Example: `他给我一本书。` (He gave me a book.) - Focus is on me receiving the book.
  • Example: `他递给我一本书。` (He passed/handed me a book.) - Focus is on the physical action of him handing it to me.
  • Mistake: Saying `我递你一个建议 (wǒ dì nǐ yí ge jiànyì)` for “I'll give you a suggestion.” A suggestion is abstract, so you can't physically pass it. You should use `我给你一个建议`.
• `递 (dì)` vs. `送 (sòng)`: Both can mean “deliver,” but the context is different.
  • 送 (sòng): Implies more distance, effort, or a sense of formality/gifting. You `送` a friend to the airport, `送` flowers as a gift, or a restaurant will `送` takeout to your home.
  • 递 (dì): Implies a more direct, often shorter-range transfer or being part of a system. You `递` the salt across the table. The mail system uses 递 because it's a chain of passing things along.
  • Mistake: Saying `我明天要递我朋友去机场。` (I have to “pass” my friend to the airport tomorrow.) This is incorrect. You must use `我明天要送我朋友去机场。`

• 快递 (kuàidì) - Express delivery. The most important modern compound word using `递`.
• 递交 (dìjiāo) - To submit, hand in (formal). Used for reports, applications, and official documents.
• 传递 (chuándì) - To transmit, pass on. Can be used for physical objects, but also for abstract things like information, spirit, or a message.
• 递送 (dìsòng) - To deliver. A formal term often used in the context of postal services or official deliveries.
• 邮递员 (yóudìyuán) - Mail carrier, postman.
• 给 (gěi) - To give. The general verb for giving, which contrasts with the specific physical action of `递`.
• 送 (sòng) - To deliver, send, see off, give as a gift. `递` is often a single action within the larger process of `送`.
• 交 (jiāo) - To hand over, to turn in. The root character of `递交`, it also carries a strong sense of handing something over to someone in authority or for a purpose.
• 传 (chuán) - To pass on, transmit, spread. Often used for news, rumors, or skills. The root of `传递`.