Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
基本jīběn(ji1ben3)
基本 (jīběn) refers to something that is fundamental or foundational in nature. It is commonly used to describe principles, skills, or elements that serve as the cornerstone for further development or understanding in various contexts, such as education, philosophy, and daily life.
Strokes16Frequency#1748DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'basic' often ties into Confucian principles, where understanding fundamental values is essential for moral and social development. This reflects the importance placed on foundational knowledge in education.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sturdy 'base' (基) that supports a tall 'building' (本). Both the base and the building are essential for stability, symbolizing how '基本' represents the fundamental aspects necessary for anything to stand strong.
Meanings of 基本
jīběn(ji1ben3)
1basic
2fundamental
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 基本
基本Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#1748Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 基本
Podcast: 基本
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 基本
Quick Contrast
基本 (jīběn) vs 主要 (zhǔyào) — use 基本 for foundational aspects, while 主要 emphasizes primary or main elements.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 基本, as incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings. It is often used in formal contexts, such as academic discussions, but can also be found in everyday language when discussing essential skills or concepts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 基本 connects well with other terms relating to foundational concepts in various subjects. Students should focus on using it in sentences to express basic principles and familiarize themselves with common collocations, such as 基本原则 (basic principles) and 基本技能 (basic skills).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 基本 with 主要 (zhǔyào), which means 'main' or 'primary.' For example, saying '基本的原因' (basic reason) when they mean '主要的原因' (main reason) can lead to incorrect interpretations. Always ensure the context is appropriate when choosing between these terms.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 基本
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 基本 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
基本 (jīběn) refers to something that is fundamental or foundational in nature. It is commonly used to describe principles, skills, or elements that serve as the cornerstone for further development or understanding in various contexts, such as education, philosophy, and daily life.
When to use 基本
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 基本, as incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings. It is often used in formal contexts, such as academic discussions, but can also be found in everyday language when discussing essential skills or concepts.
基本 or something close to it
基本 (jīběn) vs 主要 (zhǔyào) — use 基本 for foundational aspects, while 主要 emphasizes primary or main elements.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 基本 with 主要 (zhǔyào), which means 'main' or 'primary.' For example, saying '基本的原因' (basic reason) when they mean '主要的原因' (main reason) can lead to incorrect interpretations. Always ensure the context is appropriate when choosing between these terms.
Write 基本
基
本
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 基本 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 基本
基本 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 4 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.
