Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
础 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
础
chǔ
foundation
ng, 10 strokes, radical 石, rank #58499, Very Hard
础
chǔ
base
ng, 10 strokes, radical 石, rank #58499, Very Hard
础
chǔ
foundation stone, plinth; basis
ng, 10 strokes, radical 石, rank #58499, Very Hard
chǔ(chu3)chu T3
1foundation
2base
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 础 means.
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
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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.
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.
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
Premium — Locked
Tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 础, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 础 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 础?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 础 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
础 = 石 + 出. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 础
IDS Structure⿰石出
础Full character
=
石dan4
left
出chu1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 础?
How to say foundation in Chinese
“foundation” in Chinese is础chǔ
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.
When to use 础
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.
础 or something close to it
基础 (jīchǔ) - use 基础 for a more general or abstract foundation, while 础 specifically refers to a physical base or foundation.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 础
础
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 础 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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.
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
成功的基____是奋斗，奋斗的目的是成功，所以，只有不断努力的人才有机会走上成功的道路。
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.
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 bà fū bóshì chǎnshù le tā de jiàoxué fāngfǎ de jīchǔ。
Dr. Mesibov set forth the basis of his approach to teaching students.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 础?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Word Family of 础
Words containing this character3
基础jīchǔbase基礎
础chǔbase礎
基础课jīchǔkèbasic course基礎課
Exercise 1 of 2
Words with 础
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.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 础?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.
