basique
/ba.zik/
The English word 'basic' is translated into French as basique.
The adjective is used to describe something that is elementary, simple or merely functional.
Meaning: elementary, simple, merely functional (adj)
Which one should you use?
While basique can mean elementary, the word élémentaire is often preferred in formal or academic contexts to describe fundamental principles or beginner levels. You may also use fondamental to denote something that is essential or basic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective basique is invariable in gender, meaning it stays the same for both masculine and feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ba.zik/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use basique to mean 'boring' or 'unoriginal' in a slang sense. In French, it primarily retains its literal meaning of 'fundamental' or 'simple'.
Did you know?
- In a culinary context, a 'basic' or 'mother' sauce is called a sauce mère, rather than a sauce basique.
- The word basique has a very specific technical meaning in chemistry, where it describes a substance that is the opposite of acidic.
- Using basique to describe a person's personality can be seen as an insult implying they lack depth or sophistication.
Examples in context
- Ce sont des mathématiques basiques.That's basic math.This sentence shows the use of basique with mathematics.Tatoeba #13338083 by genes1s, translation #5074853 by Hybrid
- C'est quelque chose de très basique.It's something very basic.This sentence uses basique to describe something very simple.Tatoeba #7982808 by Aiji, translation #12938025 by rul
- La famille est l'unité la plus basique de la société.The family is the most basic unit of society.This sentence uses basique to describe a unit of society.Tatoeba #3761714 by sacredceltic, translation #3761474 by patgfisher
- Cette notion est fondamentale pour la compréhension.This concept is basic for understanding.
- La chanson est vraiment basique, mais elle est entraînante!The song is really basic, but it's catchy!
- Les règles du jeu sont simplistes et ne demandent pas beaucoup de stratégie.The game rules are simplistic and don't require much strategy.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are discussing their minimalist apartment.
- EmmaTon mobilier est très basique.Your furniture is very basic.
- GabrielOui, j'aime le style minimaliste.Yes, I like the minimalist style.
- EmmaC'est un peu trop simple pour moi.It is a bit too simple for me.
- GabrielChacun a ses propres goûts.Everyone has their own tastes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “basic” translations and entries basique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
