les bases
the basics in French is les bases.
les bases is used to refer to the fundamental principles or essential elements of a subject, just as in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of 'the bases' using the feminine plural noun 'base'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is always plural in this context. The singular 'la base' is used to refer to a single foundation or a specific starting point rather than 'the basics' of a subject.
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'back to basics' in French, you would often use the expression retour aux sources, which literally means 'return to the sources'.
- In French slang, la base is used as an adjective to describe something that is essential or the gold standard, such as saying a certain food is la base of a good meal.
- To describe something as 'basic' in the modern English slang sense, French youth often use the English word 'basic' or the term basique to imply a lack of originality.
Examples in context
- Commençons par les bases.Let's start with the basics.Tatoeba #3211953 by Micsmithel, translation #2508036 by Hybrid
- Tu dois d'abord apprendre les bases.You have to learn the basics first.Tatoeba #11963254 by lbdx, translation #5651730 by Hybrid
- Elle maîtrise bien les bases du piano.She has a good grasp of the basics of the piano.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are discussing a new hobby.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu connais les bases du yoga ?Do you know the basics of yoga?
- GabrielNon, je ne connais pas du tout les bases.No, I don't know the basics at all.
- ChloéOn peut apprendre les bases ensemble.We can learn the basics together.
- GabrielC'est une excellente idée, Chloé.That is an excellent idea, Chloé.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
