Japanese word

基

Pronunciation

Romajimotoi

Meaning

  • nounfoundation

Example

信頼は社会の基です。shin rai wa sha kai no motoi de su

Trust is the foundation of society.

Illustration for 基 (foundation)

More examples

この制度は明確な規則を基として成り立っています。ko no sei do wa mei kaku na ki soku o moto to shi te na ri ta tte i ma su

This system is built on clear rules.

Core concept

Marks the underlying support from which a structure, system, or idea is formed and maintained.

Common phrases

  • 基をなすmotoi o na su

    form the basis

  • 基にするmoto ni su ru

    use as a basis

Similar words

土台dodai: The physical base that supports a structure, or the basic support for an idea or system.
基盤kiban: The basic support that allows a system, activity, or idea to develop and continue.
礎ishizue: The foundation that supports a structure or serves as the basis of an idea or system.

Definition in Japanese

物事を成り立たせる土台となるもの。mono goto o na ri ta ta se ru do dai to na ru mo no

Word origin

The native Japanese noun 基 (motoi, "foundation") is written with the kanji 基, whose established meaning is a base or foundation; its form is related to moto, "base."

Usage tips

  • In formal Japanese, 基 (motoi) often describes the underlying basis of a nation, society, or institution and sounds more elevated than 土台 (dodai) for a physical foundation.

Other meanings

  • basisnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word