Chinese word

基本功

Pronunciation

Pinyinjī běn gōng

Meaning

  • nounbasic skills

Example

这项工作需要一定的基本功。zhè xiàng gōng zuò xū yào yí dìng de jī běn gōng

This work requires a certain level of basic skills.

Illustration for 基本功 (basic skills)

More examples

要写好论文，首先要掌握基本功。yào xiě hǎo lùn wén shǒu xiān yào zhǎng wò jī běn gōng

To write a good paper, you must first master the basic skills.

Core concept

The essential training beneath a higher level of ability.

Common phrases

  • 掌握基本功zhǎng wò jī běn gōng

    master basic skills

  • 打好基本功dǎ hǎo jī běn gōng

    build a solid foundation

  • 提高基本功tí gāo jī běn gōng

    improve basic skills

Similar words

技能jì néng: The technical skill and control needed to perform a particular task.
本领bén lǐng: A useful skill or knack gained through experience and practice.
基础jī chǔ: A basic foundation of knowledge or skills for further learning and training.
能力néng lì: The overall power to think, act, and complete tasks.

Definition in Chinese

指能够支撑更高层次表现的、通过练习和积累而形成的基础能力或技能。zhǐ néng gòu zhī chēng gèng gāo céng cì biǎo xiàn de tōng guò liàn xí hé jī lěi ér xíng chéng de jī chǔ néng lì huò jì néng

Word origin

基本功 (jīběngōng, "basic skill") joins 基本 (jīběn, "fundamental") and 功 (gōng, "skill gained through effort"), so the word connects essential foundations with the results of practice.

Usage tips

  • Chinese can use this noun for both physical and mental abilities, including communication, craft, and professional work, while English often chooses a more specific phrase in each setting.

Opposites

  • 高级技能gāo jí jì néngadvanced skillsnoun

Word lists with this word