基本 (jīběn) — basic; fundamental

基本 (jīběn)

基本 means basic or fundamental as an adjective, and "basically" or "essentially" as an adverb -- indicating the core, foundational nature of something or an approximation close to the whole.

Meanings

1. [adjective] basic; fundamental; essential; primary
2. [adverb] basically; essentially; for the most part

Example Sentences

食物、住所和安全是人类的基本需求。 Shíwù, zhùsuǒ hé ānquán shì rénlèi de jīběn xūqiú. Food, shelter, and security are the basic needs of human beings.

这本书介绍了编程的基本概念。 Zhè běn shū jièshào le biānchéng de jīběn gàiniàn. This book introduces the basic concepts of programming.

我基本上同意你的观点，但有一点不太一样。 Wǒ jīběn shàng tóngyì nǐ de guāndiǎn, dàn yǒu yī diǎn bù tài yīyàng. I basically agree with your view, but there is one point that is slightly different.

该计划的基本目标是减少贫困。 Gāi jìhuà de jīběn mùbiāo shì jiǎnshǎo pínkùn. The fundamental objective of this plan is to reduce poverty.

任务已经基本完成，只剩下一些收尾工作。 Rènwù yǐjīng jīběn wánchéng, zhǐ shèng xià yīxiē shōuwěi gōngzuò. The task is basically complete, with only some finishing touches remaining.

掌握基本语法是学好外语的前提。 Zhǎngwò jīběn yǔfǎ shì xuéhǎo wàiyǔ de qiántí. Mastering basic grammar is a prerequisite for learning a foreign language well.

Collocations

Usage Notes

基本 is extremely versatile and appears in both formal and informal registers. As an adjective it modifies nouns to mean "foundational" or "core" (基本权利, basic rights). As an adverb, 基本上 (basically/essentially) softens statements, similar to "more or less" in English.

The adverbial form 基本上 is very common in spoken Chinese and is a useful hedging expression. It indicates that something is true in most respects but allows for minor exceptions.

Memory Hook

基 means "foundation" (like a building's base) and 本 means "root/origin." 基本 is the foundation and root -- the most basic, fundamental level of anything.