How to Say "Basics" in Japanese

基礎

kiso[kʲiso̞]

The English phrase 'basics' is translated into Japanese as 基礎 (kiso).

基礎 is used to describe the fundamental principles, skills or facts required to master a subject, such as music, sports or academic studies.

What does it mean word for word?

The word 基礎 literally means 'foundation' or 'base', referring to the structural support of a building or the fundamental basis of a concept.

kiso

In the context of Japanese skincare, the word 基礎化粧品 (kiso keshōhin) refers to 'basic cosmetics' like cleansers and moisturizers, which are seen as the foundation of skin health.
When a Japanese person wants to say they are 'solidifying their basics', they use the verb 固める, which literally means 'to harden' or 'to make solid', as if they were curing concrete.
A common Japanese idiom for someone who is very disciplined in their fundamentals is 基本に忠実, which translates to being 'loyal to the basics'.

大抵の学芸は、最初に基礎をしっかりやっておかないと、その先スムーズに身に付けることができません。
With most of the arts, if you don't get the basics down properly then it is difficult to acquire further skills.
This sentence shows how importance is placed on getting the basics of an art down properly to acquire further skills using 基礎.
Tatoeba #74739 by fcbond, translation #328980 by fcbond
初めまして。私は[Your Name]です。日本語の基本を学んでいます。
Nice to meet you. My name is [Your Name], and I'm learning the basics of Japanese.
テニスの基礎を学ぶ。
tenisu no kiso o manabu.
Learn the basics of tennis.
プログラミングの基礎を習得する。
puroguramingu no kiso o shutoku suru.
Master the basics of programming.

In a music lesson, a student asks a teacher for advice.

陽葵 Himari

ピアノの基礎からやり直すべきですか？
piano no kiso kara yarinaosu beki desu ka?
Should I start over from the basics of piano?
蓮 Ren

はい、基礎を固めることが一番大切です。
hai, kiso o katameru koto ga ichiban taisetsu desu.
Yes, strengthening the basics is the most important thing.
陽葵 Himari

わかりました、基礎を練習します。
wakarimashita, kiso o renshuu shimasu.
I understand, I will practice the basics.
蓮 Ren

その調子で頑張りましょう。
sono choushi de ganbarimashou.
Keep up that spirit and do your best.

Sources

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