Meaning and Usage
"底层" literally means "bottom layer" and is commonly used to refer to the lowest social or structural level, such as the lower class in society or the foundational level in a system.
Common Contexts
It often appears in discussions about social hierarchy (e.g., "底层人民" meaning "people at the bottom of society") or technical contexts (e.g., "底层代码" meaning "low-level code").
Collocations and Patterns
- 底层人民: refers to the lower social class, often implying economic hardship.
- 底层员工: lower-level employees in a company.
- 底层代码: foundational or low-level code in programming.
Usage Notes
When using "底层" to describe people or groups, it often carries a connotation of disadvantage or lower status. In technical contexts, it is neutral and descriptive. Avoid confusing "底层" with "基层" which also means "basic level" but is more often used in organizational or political contexts.