base
/ˈbase/
The Spanish word base can mean 'base' or 'be located'.
It can function as a noun to mean a foundation, a center or a physical base. It can also act as a verb form. However, if you want to express the infinitive action 'to base' (such as basing an argument on something), you should use the verb basar.
Meaning: be located (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun base is bases.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbase/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use base when you mean the infinitive verb 'to base'. Instead, use basar.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word base is used in the phrase a base de, which describes the means or method used to achieve something, often implying persistence or repetition.
- When talking about makeup, Spanish speakers use base to refer to foundation, as it is the 'base' layer upon which other cosmetics are applied.
- The Greek root of base, meaning 'a step', highlights that a foundation is literally the first step one takes in building something.
Examples in context
- Hay una base secreta en la luna.There's a secret base on the moon.This sentence uses base to describe a physical location.Tatoeba #1713878 by marcelostockle, translation #1349175 by Spamster
- La familia es la base fundamental de la sociedad.The family is the fundamental base of society.This sentence uses base to refer to a social foundation.Tatoeba #10154071 by saverius, translation #13901069 by kylewii
- El área de un triángulo es la mitad del área del rectángulo con base y altura equivalentes.The area of a triangle is half of the area of the rectangle with equivalent base and height.This sentence uses base in a mathematical context regarding geometry.Tatoeba #1190890 by marcelostockle, translation #1190893 by CM
- La trigonometría es la base para comprender la geometría espacial.Trigonometry is the basis for understanding spatial geometry.
- Necesito construir una base sólida para mi carrera como músico.I need to build a solid base for my career as a musician.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing where their company's regional office is located.
- JavierNuestra oficina se puede base en Madrid.Our office can be based in Madrid.
- ElenaMe parece bien que se base allí.It seems fine to me that it is based there.
- Javier¿Crees que Elena prefiera que nos base en Sevilla?Do you think Elena would prefer us to be based in Seville?
- ElenaNo, mejor que la empresa se base en la capital.No, it is better that the company be based in the capital.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry base, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries base, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
