básico
/ˈbasiko/
The Spanish word for basic is básico.
básico is used to describe things that are elementary, simple or merely functional.
Meaning: elementary, simple, merely functional (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes to the feminine form básica to match a feminine noun. The adjective becomes plural as básicos for masculine nouns or básicas for feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbasiko/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, calling a person 'básico' can be a slang way to describe them as 'basic' or unoriginal, similar to English internet slang.
- The suffix -ico in básico is a common way to create adjectives from nouns in Spanish, similar to how English uses -ic in words like 'atomic' or 'acidic'.
- The noun form la base is used to describe everything from the bottom of a lamp to the headquarters of a military operation or the 'home base' in baseball.
Examples in context
- Es uno de los instintos humanos básicos.It's one of the basic human instincts.This sentence shows how to describe basic human instincts using básico.Tatoeba #1519541 by marcelostockle, translation #1519492 by Spamster
- La migración es un derecho humano básico.Migration is a basic human right.This sentence uses básico to describe a basic human right.Tatoeba #10076935 by manufrutos, translation #10076567 by shekitten
- El hilo es el componente básico de la tela.Thread is the basic component of fabric.This sentence shows how to use básico to describe a basic component.Tatoeba #6881869 by albrusgher, translation #6862496 by kaiperkins271
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing their language learning progress.
- MateoSolo tengo un conocimiento básico de francés.I only have a basic knowledge of French.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, Mateo, puedes aprender rápido.Don't worry, Mateo, you can learn quickly.
- MateoSí, pero necesito aprender el vocabulario básico.Yes, but I need to learn the basic vocabulary.
- ElenaYo puedo ayudarte con eso, Elena dice que soy bueno.I can help you with that, Elena says I am good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry básico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
