基本的に
kihonteki ni
The English phrase 'basically' is translated into Japanese as 基本的に (kihonteki ni).
基本的に is used to emphasize the fundamental or basic aspect of a statement. It is appropriate when you want to describe something in a fundamental or basic manner.
Meaning: in a fundamental or basic manner (adv)
Which one should you use?
While 基本的に focuses on the fundamental nature of a subject, the word 大体 (だいたい, Daitai) is used to signify a rough approximation or a general understanding of a situation. Additionally, if you want to say 'in a nutshell' to emphasize a summary or a main point, the informal phrase 要するに (ようするに, You suru ni) is used instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
A very common way to start a sentence and set a baseline is to add the topic marker particle は (wa) after the word, resulting in 基本的には. This form can be understood as 'basically speaking' or 'as a general rule'.
How do you pronounce it?
kihonteki ni
Did you know?
- In business settings, using 基本的に can sometimes be a polite way to deliver a 'no' by implying that while something is 'basically' true, there is a specific reason why it won't work in this particular instance.
- The word 基本 (kihon) is the same root used in the term 'foundation' or 'base' in many martial arts, meaning that using 基本的に is like saying you are speaking from the very foundation of the matter.
- If you use 基本的には in a debate, the addition of the particle は can act as a rhetorical shield, subtly signaling that you are about to present a rule that has several exceptions.
Examples in context
- 基本的にあなたの意見に賛成です。Basically, I agree with your opinion.This sentence is useful for expressing agreement with an opinion using 基本的に.Tatoeba #183524 by bunbuku, translation #20647 by CK
- 卸売物価は基本的に安定している。Wholesale prices are basically flat.This sentence is useful for describing the state of wholesale prices using 基本的に.Tatoeba #188339 by bunbuku, translation #8387055 by AlanF_US
- 私、基本的に一人でいる方が好きなんです。I basically prefer being by myself.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal preference using 基本的に.Tatoeba #2759784 by tommy_san, translation #2812114 by xylian
- 基本的に、日本語は五十音で表現されます。Basically, Japanese is expressed using the fifty sounds (gojuuon).
- だいたい分かった。Basically, I understood.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their weekend plans at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui今週末は基本的に、家でゆっくりするつもりだよ。Konshuumatsu wa kihon-teki ni, ie de yukkuri suru tsumori da yo.Basically, I plan to relax at home this weekend.
- 健太 Kentaそうなんだ。何か予定が入ることはないの？Sou nanda. Nanika yotei ga hairu koto wa nai no?I see. Is there nothing else planned?
- 結衣 Yui今のところ、特に予定はないよ。Ima no tokoro, toku ni yotei wa nai yo.As of now, I don't have any particular plans.
- 健太 Kentaじゃあ、もし暇だったら映画でも行かない？Jaa, moshi hima dattara eiga demo ikanai?Then, if you're free, do you want to go see a movie or something?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
