基本上 (jīběnshàng)

基本上 is an adverb meaning "basically" or "essentially," used to indicate that something is mostly or largely the case, though not necessarily 100% perfect.

Meanings

[adverb] basically; for the most part; largely

Example Sentences

这个项目基本上完成了。 Zhège xiàngmù jīběnshàng wánchéngle. This project is basically finished.

我基本上同意你的看法。 Wǒ jīběnshàng tóngyì nǐ de kànfǎ. I basically agree with your view.

新员工基本上已经适应了工作环境。 Xīn yuángōng jīběnshàng yǐjīng shìyìngle gōngzuò huánjìng. The new employees have essentially adapted to the work environment.

这两个计划基本上是一样的。 Zhè liǎng gè jìhuà jīběnshàng shì yīyàng de. These two plans are basically the same.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
基本上完成	basically completed
基本上一致	essentially consistent
基本上同意	mostly agree
基本上没问题	basically no problem

Usage Notes

基本上 is slightly softer than 完全 (completely). It leaves room for minor exceptions or imperfections. It is commonly used in spoken and written Chinese at a B1 level to soften statements or indicate approximate completeness.

Memory Hook

基本 means "basic/fundamental" and 上 adds the sense of "on that basis," so 基本上 means you are standing on the fundamental truth of something: basically true.