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March 24, 2026
基本jīběn(ji1ben3)
基本 (jīběn) refers to something that is fundamental or foundational in nature. It is commonly used to describe principles, skills, or elements that serve as the cornerstone for further development or understanding in various contexts, such as education, philosophy, and daily life.
Frequency#1748DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'basic' often ties into Confucian principles, where understanding fundamental values is essential for moral and social development. This reflects the importance placed on foundational knowledge in education.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sturdy 'base' (基) that supports a tall 'building' (本). Both the base and the building are essential for stability, symbolizing how '基本' represents the fundamental aspects necessary for anything to stand strong.
Meanings of 基本
jīběn(ji1ben3)
1basic
2fundamental
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About 基本
基本Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#1748Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 基本
Podcast: 基本
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AI Study Notes for 基本
Quick Contrast
基本 (jīběn) vs 主要 (zhǔyào) — use 基本 for foundational aspects, while 主要 emphasizes primary or main elements.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sturdy 'base' (基) that supports a tall 'building' (本). Both the base and the building are essential for stability, symbolizing how '基本' represents the fundamental aspects necessary for anything to stand strong.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 基本, as incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings. It is often used in formal contexts, such as academic discussions, but can also be found in everyday language when discussing essential skills or concepts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 基本 connects well with other terms relating to foundational concepts in various subjects. Students should focus on using it in sentences to express basic principles and familiarize themselves with common collocations, such as 基本原则 (basic principles) and 基本技能 (basic skills).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'basic' often ties into Confucian principles, where understanding fundamental values is essential for moral and social development. This reflects the importance placed on foundational knowledge in education.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 基本 with 主要 (zhǔyào), which means 'main' or 'primary.' For example, saying '基本的原因' (basic reason) when they mean '主要的原因' (main reason) can lead to incorrect interpretations. Always ensure the context is appropriate when choosing between these terms.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 基本
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Grammar Patterns of 基本
基本 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Basic food products are frequently unavailable in the state shops.
Cultural Notes for 基本
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'basic' often ties into Confucian principles, where understanding fundamental values is essential for moral and social development. This reflects the importance placed on foundational knowledge in education.
Frequently Asked Questions about 基本
You can say '这就是基本的原则' (This is the basic principle) to describe essential rules or guidelines.
Yes, while it is commonly used in formal situations, you can also use 基本 in everyday conversations, such as discussing basic skills.
Common phrases include 基本上 (basically) and 基本技能 (basic skills), which highlight its versatility.
