기본
gibon
The English word "basic" can be translated into Korean as 기본 (gibon).
The term 기본 can be used as a noun to mean "the basics" or "the fundamentals" of a subject. It can also refer to something that is elementary, simple or merely functional.
Meaning: elementary, simple, merely functional (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 기본 serves as a noun for "basis" or "foundation", you should use 기본적인 when you need a formal adjective to describe something as "basic". Additionally, 기본적 acts as a noun-forming version of that adjective, often used to modify other words in compound forms or formal contexts. For the sense of something being "ordinary" or "average," the word 평범한 is used instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Korean grammar, if you want to use "basic" as an adjective, it is typically expressed as 기본적인 rather than using the noun 기본 alone.
How do you pronounce it?
gibon
Did you know?
- In Korean, the concept of 'basic' often implies a moral or character-based foundation rather than just a technical one. For example, one might speak of a person's 기본 to refer to their fundamental manners or upbringing.
- In Korean gaming culture, a 'basic' or 'standard' item might be called a 기본템, a contraction of 기본 and the English word 'item'.
- Korean sports culture often uses 기본기 to describe a player's 'basic skills'. A player with great 기본기 is praised for having a flawless technical foundation regardless of their talent.
Examples in context
- 영어는 기본적인 필수 과목입니다.English is a basic required subject.
- 쉬운 문법부터 배워야 해.You should start with basic grammar.
- 기본적인 내용이에요.gibonjeogin naeyong-ieyo.It is basic content.
- 그건 너무 기본이에요.geugeon neomu gibon-ieyo.That is too basic.
- 기본 설정을 확인하세요.gibon seoljeong-eul hwaginhaseyo.Please check the basic settings.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyun are talking about a computer class.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 컴퓨터 잘 해요?Dohyun ssi, keompyuteo jal haeyo?Dohyun, are you good with computers?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니요, 그냥 기본 수준이에요.aniyo, geunyang gibon sujun-ieyo.No, I'm just at a basic level.
- 민지 Min-ji그럼 같이 수업을 들어요.geureom gat-i sueobeul deureoyo.Then let's take the class together.
- 도현 Do-hyeon좋아요, 같이 배워요.joayo, gat-i baewoyo.Sounds good, let's learn together.
