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基本上 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
基本上jīběnshàngbasicallyHSK 4, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #4535, Medium
基本上jīběnshàngon the wholeHSK 4, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #4535, Medium
jīběnshàng(ji1ben3shang4)ji ben shang T1
  1. 1basically
  2. 2on the whole
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March 24, 2026

基本上jīběnshàng(ji1ben3shang4)

基本上 (jī běn shàng) means 'basically' or 'on the whole.' It is often used to summarize or generalize a statement, conveying the main idea while implying that there may be exceptions or additional details. This phrase can be used in both formal and informal contexts to express an overarching view or conclusion.

Strokes19Frequency#4535DifficultyMedium
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the use of phrases like 基本上 reflects a tendency toward harmony and avoiding absolute statements. This aligns with the cultural value of maintaining relationships, where being overly definitive could lead to conflict.

Memory tip

Think of '基本' (jī běn) as 'foundation' and '上' (shàng) as 'above'—imagine a solid foundation (basic) from which ideas rise. When you think of something in its essence, you can say it's '基本上' true, almost like a building standing tall on its foundation.

Meanings of 基本上

jīběnshàng(ji1ben3shang4)
1basically
2on the whole
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About 基本上

基本上Simplified
19Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

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Podcast: 基本上

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AI study notes for 基本上

Quick Contrast

大致上 (dàzhìshàng) - use 基本上 for a more definitive summary, while 大致上 suggests a less precise approximation.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 基本上 with similar phrases like 差不多 (chà bù duō), which means 'about the same' but implies closer approximation. Use 基本上 when you want to make a generalization rather than a precise comparison. Be cautious of the tone in spoken contexts, as the third tone can easily be mispronounced.

HSK Study Tips

While 基本上 is not an HSK vocabulary word, understanding it can help learners at HSK level 3 and above. It connects well with words that express opinions or descriptions, so learners should focus on practicing its use in summarizing thoughts or conclusions.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using 基本上 in a context that requires precision, such as saying '基本上是对的' (jī běn shàng shì duì de) when you mean 'it is correct' without exceptions. Instead, clarify with '确实是对的' (què shí shì duì de).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 基本上

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Component characters

基jībase
HSK 711 strokes土
View full entry
本běnroots or stems of plants
HSK 15 strokes木
View full entry
上shàngon top
HSK 13 strokes一
View full entry

How to say basically in Chinese

“basically” in Chinese is基本上jīběnshàng

基本上 (jī běn shàng) means 'basically' or 'on the whole.' It is often used to summarize or generalize a statement, conveying the main idea while implying that there may be exceptions or additional details. This phrase can be used in both formal and informal contexts to express an overarching view or conclusion.

When to use 基本上

Learners often confuse 基本上 with similar phrases like 差不多 (chà bù duō), which means 'about the same' but implies closer approximation. Use 基本上 when you want to make a generalization rather than a precise comparison. Be cautious of the tone in spoken contexts, as the third tone can easily be mispronounced.

基本上 or something close to it

大致上 (dàzhìshàng) - use 基本上 for a more definitive summary, while 大致上 suggests a less precise approximation.

What learners get wrong

A common mistake is using 基本上 in a context that requires precision, such as saying '基本上是对的' (jī běn shàng shì duì de) when you mean 'it is correct' without exceptions. Instead, clarify with '确实是对的' (què shí shì duì de).

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Frequently asked questions about 基本上

Use 基本上 to summarize or generalize, while 其实 is better for clarifying or correcting a misconception.

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