Meaning and Usage
"基本上" (jīběnshàng) is an adverb meaning "basically" or "essentially." It is used to express that what follows is true in general or in most cases, though there may be exceptions.
Common Contexts
It often appears in spoken and written Chinese to summarize or give an overall assessment. For example, when evaluating plans, habits, or opinions, "基本上" signals that the statement is broadly accurate.
Collocations and Patterns
- 基本上 + statement: to indicate a general truth or main idea.
- 基本上每天: to describe a habitual action occurring almost every day.
Nuances
Using "基本上" softens the statement, implying that there might be minor exceptions or details not covered. It is less absolute than words like "一定" (definitely) or "完全" (completely).
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "基本上" with "基本" alone, which can be a noun or adjective meaning "basic" or "fundamental." "基本上" is specifically an adverb modifying the whole sentence or clause.