Japanese word

土台

Pronunciation

Romajidodai

Meaning

  • nounfoundation

Example

家の土台はしっかりしています。ie no do dai wa shi kka ri shi te i ma su

The foundation of the house is solid.

Illustration for 土台 (foundation)

More examples

この計画は地域の協力を土台としています。ko no kei kaku wa chi iki no kyō ryoku o do dai to shi te i ma su

This plan is based on cooperation from the community.

Core concept

土台 (dodai) is the essential support beneath a physical structure or an abstract plan, belief, or system.

Common phrases

  • 土台を築くdo dai o kizu ku

    build a foundation

  • 土台を固めるdo dai o kata me ru

    strengthen the foundation

  • 土台になるdo dai ni na ru

    serve as a foundation

Similar words

基礎kiso: The basic groundwork that supports the development of a structure, idea, or skill.
基盤kiban: A firm base that enables an activity, system, or organization to continue.
根底kontei: The deepest basis underlying an idea, condition, or relationship.

Definition in Japanese

その上に建物や物事を築く基礎となるもの。so no ue ni tate mono ya mono goto o kizu ku ki so to na ru mo no

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 土台 (dodai) combines 土 (do, "earth") with 台 (dai, "stand" or "platform") to name what supports what is built above it.

Usage tips

  • The expression 土台無理 (dodai muri) means that something is fundamentally impossible, extending the physical sense of a base to an underlying condition.

Other meanings

  • basisnoun

Word lists with this word