基本的
jīběn de
The English word 'basic' can be translated into Chinese as 基本的 (jīběn de) or 基础的. Wiktionary also lists 基礎的 / 基础的 (jīchǔ de).
Meaning: elementary, simple, merely functional (adj)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 基本的 | jīběn de |
| 基礎的 / 基础的 | jīchǔ de |
Both terms are adjectives used to describe something that is elementary, simple or merely functional.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 基本 is composed of 基, meaning base or foundation and 本, meaning root or origin.
Which one should you use?
Use 基本的 (jīběn de) to describe essential or fundamental qualities. In contrast, 基础的 (jīchǔ de) often refers to things that serve as a physical or structural foundation.
How do you pronounce it?
jīběn de
Did you know?
- If you want to say something is 'at the basic level', you might use 基本水平 (jīběn shuǐpíng). Interestingly, the word for 'level' or 'standard', 水平 (shuǐpíng), literally translates to 'water level'.
- The word 基础 (foundation) is used as a verb in educational contexts to describe 'strengthening the basics' 打基础, which literally means 'hitting' or 'striking' the foundation.
- The word 本 (běn) in 基本的 means 'root' or 'origin', but it is also the common classifier used when counting books. In a way, the concept of 'basic' is linguistically tied to the way Chinese speakers count literature.
Examples in context
- 研究表明人们一有住处、食物这些基本的需要，附加的财富就不能大量地提高他们的快乐。Studies show that once the basic needs of shelter and food are met, additional wealth adds very little to happiness.This sentence shows how to use 基本的 when discussing basic needs like shelter and food.Tatoeba #743147 by Yashanti, translation #743117 by eastasiastudent
- 廣告商最基本的工作就是把人的慾望轉化成需要。The basic job of an advertising agency is to figure out how to turn a desire into a need.This sentence uses 基本的 to describe the basic job of an advertising agency.Tatoeba #1323306 by nickyeow, translation #1097305 by darinmex
- 这是一门关于基本的数学知识的课程。This is a course about basic mathematical knowledge.
- 我们要掌握一些基本的技能。Wǒmen yào zhǎngwò yīxiē jīběn de jìnéng.We need to master some basic skills.
Example conversation
At a workplace, discussing the requirements for a new intern.
- 梓涵 Zihan志强，新来的实习生会做这些吗？Zhìqiáng, xīn lái de shíxíngshēng huì zuò zhèxiē ma?Zhiqiang, can the new intern do these things?
- 志强 Zhiqiang他只需要具备一些基本的办公能力。Tā zhǐ xūyào jùbèi yīxiē jīběn de bàngōng nénglì.He only needs to have some basic office skills.
- 梓涵 Zihan那我就放心了。Nà wǒ jiù fàngxīn le.Then I am relieved.
- 志强 Zhiqiang梓涵，你也帮他看一下吧。Zǐhán, nǐ yě bāng tā kàn yīxià ba.Zihan, please help him check things as well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “basic” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
