Comparing "bendi" and "dangdi"

本地 (běndì) and 当地 (dāngdì) both are nouns that mean local. Yet, they have some subtle differences. First, 本地 is used in informal settings, whereas 当地 is used in more formal settings. As well, 本地 is used to describe where the person currently is, the location of the person at the present moment, compared to 当地 which is used to describe “a locality” that the person is not currently at.











B2HSK5ASV4567
本地 (běndì) 当地 (dāngdì)
Meaning local local
Part of Speech noun noun
Formality informal formal


本地 is used to describe local in the sense of where the person speaking currently is located.

Example Sentences

  • 我是上海人,上海本地土生土生长的。
  • 大叔,南京本地有什么特色的鸭血粉丝汤吗?我想尝一尝。
  • 来了杭州才发现,杭州本地人说话我完全听不懂。

当地 is used to describe the locality or place that something happens, but the person speaking is NOT at the currently located there.

Example Sentences

  • 我想去广州,广州当地有什么好玩的吗?
  • 你到了一个地方,一定要尝一尝当地的美食。