Japanese word

基礎

Pronunciation

Romajikiso

Meaning

  • nounbasics

Example

日本語の基礎を勉強します。nihon go no ki so o ben kyō shi ma su

I study the basics of Japanese.

Illustration for 基礎 (basics)

More examples

算数の基礎を勉強します。san sū no ki so o ben kyō shi ma su

I study the basics of math.

文法の基礎が分かると、会話が楽になります。bun pō no ki so ga wa ka ru to kai wa ga raku ni na ri ma su

Once you understand the basics of grammar, conversation becomes easier.

Core concept

The word 基礎 (kiso) points to the underlying support or starting point on which knowledge, skills, or systems are built.

Common phrases

  • 基礎を固めるki so o kata me ru

    build a solid foundation

  • 基礎を学ぶki so o mana bu

    learn the basics

  • 基礎を身につけるki so o mi ni tsu ke ru

    acquire the basics

  • 基礎になるki so ni na ru

    serve as a foundation

Similar words

基本kihon: The fundamental rules or knowledge needed before learning more advanced material.
土台dodai: The base that supports the development of knowledge, skills, or systems.

Definition in Japanese

物事を成り立たせるための基本となるもの。mono goto o na ri ta ta se ru ta me no ki hon to na ru mo no

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 基礎 (kiso) combines 基 (ki, "base") and 礎 (so, "foundation"), forming a term for an underlying foundation.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 基礎知識 (kiso chishiki) means basic knowledge and commonly describes the knowledge needed before learning more advanced material.

Other meanings

  • foundationnoun
  • basisnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 基礎的kisotekibasicna-adjective

Word lists with this word