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March 24, 2026
础(礎)chǔ(chu3)
The character 础 (chǔ) refers to a foundation or base, often in a physical sense, such as the base of a building or structure. It can also imply a foundational basis for ideas or principles, making it relevant in both concrete and abstract contexts.
Strokes10Radical石Frequency#58499DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of a solid foundation is crucial, as it symbolizes stability and strength, reflecting the importance of a strong start in both construction and life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sturdy rock (石) that serves as the foundation (基) of a tall building. The character 础 combines the radical for stone (石) with a base, emphasizing its role as the foundational support for something larger.
Meanings of 础
chǔ(chu3)
1foundation
2base
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 础
础Simplified
礎Traditional
10Strokes
石Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#58499Frequency Rank
Podcast: 础
Podcast: 础
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AI Study Notes for 础
Quick Contrast
基础 (jīchǔ) - use 基础 for a more general or abstract foundation, while 础 specifically refers to a physical base or foundation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sturdy rock (石) that serves as the foundation (基) of a tall building. The character 础 combines the radical for stone (石) with a base, emphasizing its role as the foundational support for something larger.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 础 with similar characters like 基 (jī), which also means foundation but has a different usage context. 础 is more physical, while 基 can be more abstract. It's generally used in formal contexts, particularly in architecture or construction.
HSK Study Tips
While 础 is not explicitly part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to related words like 基础 (jīchǔ, foundation) and 建筑 (jiànzhù, architecture). Students should focus on understanding its use in compound words to grasp its meaning fully.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of a solid foundation is crucial, as it symbolizes stability and strength, reflecting the importance of a strong start in both construction and life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 础 in informal contexts where a more general term like 基 (jī) would suffice. For example, saying '我的计划有一个很好的基础' (wǒ de jìhuà yǒu yī gè hěn hǎo de jīchǔ) is more appropriate than using 础.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 础
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Grammar Patterns of 础
础 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The foundation of success is hard work, and the goal of hard work is success; therefore, only those who strive continuously have the chance to walk the road to success.
Common Confusions with 础
础vs初
chū
Similar sound but different meaning.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "foundation"?
or
Example Sentences for 础 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
冷水中生物的基础代谢速度要低很多。
lěng shuǐ zhōng shēng wù de jī chǔ dài xiè sù dù yào dī hěn duō。
Basal metabolism is much lower for creatures in cold water.
2
这个实用的基础模型较为简略地解释了人类的行为。
zhè gè shí yòng de jī chǔ mó xíng jiào wéi jiǎn lüè dì jiě shì le rén lèi de háng wéi。
This basic utilitarian model gives a relatively unsophisticated account of human behaviour.
3
有3种新产品是以传统的草药为基础研制的。
yǒu3 3 zhǒng xīn chǎn pǐn shì yǐ chuán tǒng de cǎo yào wéi jī chǔ yán zhì。
Three of the new products are based on traditional herbal medicines.
4
人口中有一大部分说以法语为基础的混合语。
rén kǒu zhōng yǒu yī dà bù fēn shuō yǐ fǎ yǔ wéi jī chǔ de hùn hé yǔ。
A substantial proportion of the population speak a French-based patois.
The infrastructure, from hotels to transport, is old and decrepit.
8
他们将集中教授阅读、写作和算术基础知识。
tā mén jiāng jí zhōng jiào shòu yuè dú、 、 xiě zuò hé suàn shù jī chǔ zhī。
They will concentrate on teaching the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic.
9
该学位课程将为数学和统计学打下扎实的基础。
gāi xué wèi kè chéng jiāng wéi shù xué hé tǒng jì xué dǎ xià zā shí de jī chǔ。
The degree provides a thorough grounding in both mathematics and statistics.
10
梅西伯夫博士阐述了他的教学方法的基础。
méi xī bó fū bó shì chǎn shù le tā de jiào xué fāng fǎ de jī chǔ。
Dr. Mesibov set forth the basis of his approach to teaching students.
Cultural Notes for 础
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of a solid foundation is crucial, as it symbolizes stability and strength, reflecting the importance of a strong start in both construction and life.
Word Family of 础
Words Containing This Character3
基础jīchǔbase基礎
础chǔbase礎
基础课basic course基礎課
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 基础 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 础
While 础 (chǔ) may not be commonly found in many idiomatic expressions, it is often used in contexts discussing construction, stability, or foundational concepts in various fields, such as philosophy or science. Understanding its usage can deepen your comprehension of related Chinese expressions.
Some synonyms for 础 (chǔ) include 基础 (jīchǔ), which means 'basis' or 'foundation', and 根基 (gēnjī), which also refers to the foundational aspect of something. These words can often be used interchangeably depending on the context.
You can use 础 (chǔ) in a sentence to describe the foundation of something. For example, you might say '这座建筑的基础是坚固的' (zhè zuò jiànzhú de jīchǔ shì jiāngù de), which means 'The foundation of this building is solid.'
础 (chǔ) means 'foundation' or 'base' in Chinese. It can refer to the physical foundation of a structure, like a building, as well as metaphorically to the basis or underlying principles of an idea or concept.
You can find 础 in phrases like 基础设施 (jīchǔ shèshī, infrastructure) and 础石 (chǔshí, foundation stone).
It is less common in casual speech and more frequently encountered in formal or technical discussions.
The pinyin is chǔ, with a falling tone. Practice saying it with emphasis on the 'ch' sound.
