Japanese word

根底

Pronunciation

Romajikontei

Meaning

  • nounbasis

Example

その計画の根底には、確かなデータがあります。so no kei kaku no kon tei ni wa tashi ka na dē ta ga a ri ma su

Reliable data forms the basis of that plan.

Illustration for 根底 (basis)

More examples

教育の根底にある考え方を学びます。kyō iku no kon tei ni a ru kanga e kata o mana bi ma su

We learn the ideas at the heart of education.

Core concept

Describes the deep underlying basis or cause on which something rests.

Common phrases

  • 根底にあるkon tei ni a ru

    underlie

  • 根底をなすkon tei o na su

    form the foundation

  • 根底に置くkon tei ni o ku

    place at the heart

Similar words

基盤kiban: The basic support or conditions on which an activity, system, or plan depends.
基礎kiso: The basic knowledge, structure, or conditions needed to develop or support something.
根本konpon: The fundamental source, principle, or cause of something.
土台dodai: The foundation that supports a structure, system, or line of thought.

Definition in Japanese

物事の表面には現れないが、その成り立ちや存在を支える基本となるもの。mono goto no hyō men ni wa arawa re na i ga so no na ri ta chi ya son zai o sasa e ru ki hon to na ru mo no

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound combines 根 (kon, "root") and 底 (tei, "bottom"), giving the sense of what lies at the bottom of something.

Usage tips

  • In formal Japanese, 根底 (kontei) often appears in the pattern 根底にある (kontei ni aru) for something that underlies an idea, policy, or situation.

Other meanings

  • rootnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word