Japanese word

基本

Pronunciation

Romajikihon

Meaning

  • nounbasics

Example

日本語の基本を学びます。nihon go no ki hon o mana bi ma su

I learn the basics of Japanese.

Illustration for 基本 (basics)

More examples

英語の基本を勉強します。ei go no ki hon o ben kyō shi ma su

I study the basics of English.

会話では基本を大切にします。kai wa de wa ki hon o tai setsu ni shi ma su

I value the basics in conversation.

Core concept

It describes the underlying knowledge, methods, or principles needed to support a larger subject or activity.

Common phrases

  • 基本を学ぶki hon o mana bu

    learn the basics

  • 基本に戻るki hon ni modo ru

    return to basics

  • 基本を身につけるki hon o mi ni tsu ke ru

    acquire the basics

Similar words

基礎kiso: The knowledge and skills that support further learning or performance.
初歩shoho: The first stage of learning a subject or skill, before more advanced study.
基本事項kihonjikō: The important basic points that make up a subject or task.

Definition in Japanese

ある事柄を成り立たせる土台となる知識や方法。a ru koto gara o na ri ta ta se ru do dai to na ru chi shiki ya hō hō

Word origin

基本 (kihon) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 基 (ki, "foundation") and 本 (hon, "origin or base"), so its literal structure conveys a fundamental base.

Usage tips

  • Japanese martial arts use 基本 (kihon) for the practice of basic techniques, giving this word a physical sense as well as its common meaning in study.

Other meanings

  • basisnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word