基础
The English phrase 'basics' can be translated into Chinese as 基础.
In these cases, Chinese speakers often append 知识 (knowledge) to 基础 to form the phrase 基础知识 (basic knowledge). Another related term is 根本, which conveys the sense of something being fundamental, essential or indispensable. If you want to describe something as being very distant or not even closely related, you can use the idiom 八竿子打不着.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 基础 is composed of the characters 基 (base/foundation) and 础 (foundation/pedestal).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwanese Mandarin, one way to say basics is 基本概念.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 'basics' as an adjective meaning 'basic' or 'fundamental' before a noun, you can add the particle 的 to 基础 to form 基础的.
Did you know?
- The character 础 in 基础 specifically refers to the stone base used to support a wooden pillar in traditional Chinese architecture to prevent rot.
- While 基础 refers to the 'basics' of a subject, the term 根本 is often used as an adverb meaning 'simply' or 'at all' in negative sentences.
- The character 基 also appears in the Chinese word for 'database' 数据库, treating digital information as a foundation of stored knowledge.
Examples in context
- 学习语言的时候，了解基础很重要。When learning a language, understanding the basics is crucial.
- 学习汉字的基本知识是很重要的。Understanding the basics of Chinese characters is crucial.
- 我们要打好基础。Wǒmen yào dǎ hǎo jīchǔ.We need to build a good foundation.
- 他的基础很扎实。Tā de jīchǔ hěn zhāshi.His basics are very solid.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a new course in the library.
- 佳怡 Jiayi浩然，你觉得这门课难吗？Hàorán, nǐ juéde zhè mén kè nán ma?Haoran, do you think this class is hard?
- 浩然 Haoran我觉得还可以，只要掌握了基础。Wǒ juéde hái kěyǐ, zhǐyào zhǎngwò le jīchǔ.I think it's okay, as long as you've mastered the basics.
- 佳怡 Jiayi可是我对基础不太熟悉。Kěshì wǒ duì jīchǔ bù tài shúxī.But I'm not very familiar with the basics.
- 浩然 Haoran没关系，我可以教你。Méiguānxì, wǒ kěyǐ jiāo nǐ.That's okay, I can teach you.
