基本

jī běn

basic

HSK 5

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"基本" means "basic" or "fundamental," referring to the essential foundation or core elements of something. It is often used to describe skills, concepts, or principles that form the groundwork for further learning or development.

Common Collocations

  • 基本词汇 (basic vocabulary): essential words for language learning.
  • 基本技能 (basic skills): foundational abilities needed before advancing.
  • 基本原则 (basic principles): fundamental rules or guidelines.

Usage Notes

"基本" is typically used as an adjective or noun modifier and appears before the noun it describes. It emphasizes the importance of the underlying or starting point of a subject. Unlike some synonyms like "根本," which can imply "root cause" or "fundamental reason," "基本" focuses more on the practical, foundational level.

Register and Tone

"基本" is neutral and widely used in both spoken and written Chinese, suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "基本" with "根本," which often carries a stronger sense of "root cause" or "absolutely." "基本" is more about the basic or foundational aspect rather than the ultimate cause.

Example Sentences

学习中文的基本词汇很重要。

Xuéxí zhōngwén de jīběn cíhuì hěn zhòngyào.

Learning the basic vocabulary of Chinese is very important.

这本书介绍了基本的数学概念。

Zhè běn shū jièshào le jīběn de shùxué gàiniàn.

This book introduces basic mathematical concepts.

我们先掌握基本技能,再学习高级技巧。

Wǒmen xiān zhǎngwò jīběn jìnéng, zài xuéxí gāojí jìqiǎo.

We first master the basic skills, then learn advanced techniques.