Chinese word

基础

Pronunciation

Pinyinjī chǔ

Meaning

  • nounfoundation

Example

学习任何学科都要有基础。xué xí rèn hé xué kē dōu yào yǒu jī chǔ

Learning any subject requires a foundation.

Illustration for 基础 (foundation)

More examples

先打下基础，再学新知识。xiān dǎ xià jī chǔ zài xué xīn zhī shí

Build a foundation first, then learn new knowledge.

Core concept

A supporting layer lets a building stand and gives later learning, work, or systems a firm place to grow.

Common phrases

  • 打下基础dǎ xià jī chǔ

    build a foundation

  • 没有基础méi yǒu jī chǔ

    lack a foundation

  • 夯实基础hāng shí jī chǔ

    shore up the foundation

Similar words

基本jī běn: The important knowledge or elements learned first in a field or task.
根本gēn běn: The central and most important part or cause of a matter.

Definition in Chinese

表示事物赖以存在或继续发展的根本条件或支撑，常用来指学习、工作或制度的根底，也可指实际的地基。biǎo shì shì wù lài yǐ cún zài huò jì xù fā zhǎn de gēn běn tiáo jiàn huò zhī chēng cháng yòng lái zhǐ xué xí gōng zuò huò zhì dù de gēn dǐ yě kě zhǐ shí jì de dì jī

Word origin

The compound joins 基 (jī, "base") and 础 (chǔ, "foundation stone"), connecting a building's supporting footing with the underlying support of knowledge, work, or a system.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may first connect this word with buildings, but everyday Chinese also uses it for a person's prior knowledge or training, especially when describing readiness for a subject.

Other meanings

  • basisnoun
  • basenoun

Related words

  • 基础课jī chǔ kèbasic coursenoun
  • 基础性jī chǔ xìngfundamentaladjective

Word lists with this word