Chinese word

根基

Pronunciation

Pinyingēn jī

Meaning

  • nounfoundation

Example

这座房子的根基很坚固。zhè zuò fáng zi de gēn jī hěn jiān gù

The foundation of this house is very solid.

Illustration for 根基 (foundation)

More examples

过度开采会动摇根基。guò dù kāi cǎi huì dòng yáo gēn jī

Excessive mining can undermine the foundation.

Core concept

The underlying support from which a building, system, or lasting connection gains strength.

Common phrases

  • 夯实根基hāng shí gēn jī

    strengthen the foundation

  • 动摇根基dòng yáo gēn jī

    undermine the foundation

Similar words

基础jī chǔ: The basic support or knowledge on which further work, growth, or understanding is built.
根本gēn běn: The most basic part or underlying cause that makes something what it is.
根源gēn yuán: The source or underlying cause from which something arises.
地基dì jī: The strong supporting structure made in the ground beneath a building.

Definition in Chinese

建筑或构造物直接承受荷重、确保稳定性的地基或支撑，亦可引申为制度与关系的基础与根本。jiàn zhù huò gòu zào wù zhí jiē chéng shòu hè zhòng què bǎo wěn dìng xìng de dì jī huò zhī chēng yì kě yǐn shēn wèi zhì dù yǔ guān xì de jī chǔ yǔ gēn běn

Word origin

The compound 根 (gēn, "root") + 基 (jī, "base") joins two images of support beneath the surface, which explains its use for both structures and underlying conditions.

Usage tips

  • When progress depends on earlier preparation, this noun presents that preparation as underlying support, a useful pattern in conversations about learning, work, and long-term projects.

Other meanings

  • basisnoun
  • rootnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word