基础词汇
jīchǔ cíhuì
The English phrase "basic words" can be translated into Chinese as 基础词汇 (jīchǔ cíhuì).
The phrase is used to describe the most common and essential words needed to communicate in a language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 基础 (jīchǔ), meaning 'foundation' or 'basic' and 词汇 (cíhuì), meaning 'vocabulary'.
Which one should you use?
基础词汇 (jīchǔ cíhuì) refers to the set of vocabulary as a collective concept. If you want to refer to individual 'basic words' in a more casual or countable sense, you might use 基础单词 (jīchǔ dāncí).
How do you pronounce it?
jīchǔ cíhuì
Did you know?
- The character 词 (cí) in basic words also refers to a specific style of classical Chinese poetry known as 词曲 (cíqǔ). This form of literature was meant to be sung to music during the Song Dynasty.
- While 词汇 (cíhuì) refers to vocabulary as a whole, the character 汇 (huì) implies a 'collection' or 'gathering'. It is the same character used to describe the confluence of two rivers.
- In Chinese education, 基础 (jīchǔ) literally translates to 'foundation'. This is a physical metaphor, as the character 础 (chǔ) refers to the stone base used to support a wooden pillar in traditional architecture.
Examples in context
- 掌握基础词汇很重要。Zhǎngwò jīchǔ cíhuì hěn zhòngyào.It is very important to master basic words.
- 我正在学习基础词汇。Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí jīchǔ cíhuì.I am currently learning basic words.
- 这本书只包含基础词汇。Zhè běn shū zhǐ bāohán jīchǔ cíhuì.This book only contains basic words.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their Chinese language study habits in a library.
- 伟 Wei你最近在学什么？Nǐ zuìjìn zài xué shénme?What have you been studying lately?
- 雨婷 Yuting我在背基础词汇。Wǒ zài bèi jīchǔ cíhuì.I am memorizing basic words.
- 伟 Wei基础词汇对你来说难吗？Jīchǔ cíhuì duì nǐ lái shuō nán ma?Are basic words difficult for you?
- 雨婷 Yuting不算太难。Bù suàn tài nán.They are not too difficult.
