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基 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
基jībaseHSK 7, a, 11 strokes, radical 土, rank #1908, Very Hard
基jīfoundationHSK 7, a, 11 strokes, radical 土, rank #1908, Very Hard
基jībasicHSK 7, a, 11 strokes, radical 土, rank #1908, Very Hard
基jīradical (chemistry)HSK 7, a, 11 strokes, radical 土, rank #1908, Very Hard
基jī(slang) gayHSK 7, unknown, 11 strokes, radical 土, rank #1908, Very Hard
jī(ji1) T1
  1. 1base
  2. 2foundation
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

基jī(ji1)

The character 基 (jī) primarily means 'base' or 'foundation.' It is commonly used in various contexts, such as in mathematics, science, and everyday language to denote the underlying support or fundamental principle of something. Additionally, it can have a slang meaning referring to a gay person in informal contexts.

Strokes11Radical土Frequency#1908DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of a strong foundation is often emphasized in education and relationships, reflecting the societal value placed on stability and support. The term 基础 is frequently used in educational contexts to signify the importance of building knowledge step by step.

Memory Tip

Imagine a sturdy base (基) holding up a tall building. The character's form suggests stability, with the horizontal line at the bottom representing a strong foundation. Think of 'jī' as the 'key' to building something strong and lasting.

Meanings of 基

jī(ji1)
1base
2foundation
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 基

基Simplified
11Strokes
土Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#1908Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7

Podcast: 基

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Podcast: 基

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 基

Quick Contrast

基础 (jīchǔ) - use 基 (jī) for 'base' in a general sense, while 基础 (jīchǔ) specifically refers to a foundational basis or principle in a more abstract or formal context.

Usage Notes

Be cautious about using 基 in formal contexts where a more specific term might be preferred. Common collocations include 基础 (jīchǔ, 'foundation') and 基因 (jīyīn, 'gene'). In spoken Mandarin, ensure you pronounce it with the first tone to avoid confusion with other words.

HSK Study Tips

While 基 is not specifically listed in HSK vocabulary, it connects to related terms such as 基础 (foundational) and 基因 (gene), which may appear in higher levels. Focus on understanding its usage in compound words, as this will enhance your vocabulary and comprehension.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 基 (base) with 机 (jī, machine) due to similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我需要一个基' (wǒ xūyào yīgè jī) when meaning 'I need a machine' is incorrect; it should be '我需要一个机.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 基

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Etymology of 基

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 土 represents the meaning and 其 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

earth

Semantic (meaning)土
+
Phonetic (sound)其
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 基

Phonosemantic compound. 土 represents the meaning and 其 represents the sound.

  1. 1The meaning half土 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half其 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayearth
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 基? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 基?

Decomposition of 基

IDS Structure⿱其土
基Full Character
=
其qi2
top
土Tu3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 基?

How to say base in Chinese

“base” in Chinese is基jī

The character 基 (jī) primarily means 'base' or 'foundation.' It is commonly used in various contexts, such as in mathematics, science, and everyday language to denote the underlying support or fundamental principle of something. Additionally, it can have a slang meaning referring to a gay person in informal contexts.

When to use 基

Be cautious about using 基 in formal contexts where a more specific term might be preferred. Common collocations include 基础 (jīchǔ, 'foundation') and 基因 (jīyīn, 'gene'). In spoken Mandarin, ensure you pronounce it with the first tone to avoid confusion with other words.

基 or something close to it

基础 (jīchǔ) - use 基 (jī) for 'base' in a general sense, while 基础 (jīchǔ) specifically refers to a foundational basis or principle in a more abstract or formal context.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 基 (base) with 机 (jī, machine) due to similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我需要一个基' (wǒ xūyào yīgè jī) when meaning 'I need a machine' is incorrect; it should be '我需要一个机.'

Write 基

基

Practice writing 基 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

基 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 5 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.

Related grammar lessons6
Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

从以往的经验来看，这件事____本上没有问题。

Based on past experience, this matter should be no problem.

Common Confusions with 基

基vs极
jí

Similar sound, but different meanings and usage.

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "base"?

or

Example Sentences for 基 (22)

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
“小子，这不关你的事！”麦克洛斯基威胁道。

“ “ xiǎo， zǐ ， zhè bù guān nǐ！” de shì ！” mài kè luò sī jī。

"This ain't no affair of yours, boy!" McClosky said threateningly.
3
肯尼亚的罗伯特·基布是800米决赛入围者中速度最快的选手.

kěn ní yà de luó bó tè· · jī bù800 shì 800 mǐ jué sài rù wéi zhě zhōng sù dù zuì kuài de.

Kenya's Robert Kibe was the fastest qualifier for the 800 metres final.
4
科普特教会是最古老的基督教会之一。

kē pǔ tè jiào huì shì zuì gǔ lǎo de jī dū jiào huì zhī yī。

The Coptic Church is among the oldest churches of Christianity.
5
语言是将人类与动物区分开来的基本特征。

yǔ yán shì jiāng rén lèi yǔ dòng wù qū fēn kāi lái de jī běn tè zhēng。

Language is something which fundamentally distinguishes humans from animals.
6
我问麦基翁重聚是不是为了寻求解脱。

wǒ wèn mài jī wēng zhòng jù shì bù shì wéi le xún qiú jiě tuō。

I asked McKeown if the reunion was meant to achieve closure.
7
我不是宗教狂热分子，但我是基督徒。

wǒ bù shì zōng jiào kuáng rè fēn zǐ， ， dàn wǒ shì jī dū。

I am not a religious fanatic but I am a Christian.
8
他们将孩子培养成了虔诚的基督教徒。

tā mén jiāng hái zǐ péi yǎng chéng le qián chéng de jī dū jiào tú。

They brought up their children to be God-fearing Christians.
9
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.
10
到第三圈时，金基德的车速达到了每小时289英里。

dào dì sān quān shí， ， jīn jī dé de chē sù dá dào le měi xiǎo289 shí 289。

By the third lap Kinkead had touched 289 m.p.h.
11
科学实验的成功需要坚实的理论基础。

Kēxué shíyàn de chénggōng xūyào jiānshí de lǐlùn jīchǔ.

The success of scientific experiments requires a solid theoretical base.
12
这个项目的开发是以数据分析为基础进行的。

Zhège xiàngmù de kāifā shì yǐ shùjù fēnxī wéi jīchǔ jìnxíng de.

The development of this project is based on data analysis.
13
现代科技的发展以互联网为基础。

Xiàndài kējì de fāzhǎn yǐ hùliánwǎng wéi jīchǔ.

The development of modern technology is based on the internet.
14
教育是社会进步的基础。

Jiàoyù shì shèhuì jìnbù de jīchǔ.

Education is the base of social progress.
15
建筑物的稳固性取决于它的地基。

Jiànzhùwù de wěngùxìng qǔjué yú tā de dìjī.

The stability of a building depends on its base.
16
他在数学方面打下了坚实的基础。

Tā zài shùxué fāngmiàn dǎ xiàle jiānshí de jīchǔ.

He laid a solid base in mathematics.
17
科学实验的成功需要坚实的理论基础。

Kēxué shíyàn de chénggōng xūyào jiānshí de lǐlùn jīchǔ.

The success of scientific experiments requires a solid theoretical base.
18
这个项目的开发是以数据分析为基础进行的。

Zhège xiàngmù de kāifā shì yǐ shùjù fēnxī wéi jīchǔ jìnxíng de.

The development of this project is based on data analysis.
19
现代科技的发展以互联网为基础。

Xiàndài kējì de fāzhǎn yǐ hùliánwǎng wéi jīchǔ.

The development of modern technology is based on the internet.
20
教育是社会进步的基础。

Jiàoyù shì shèhuì jìnbù de jīchǔ.

Education is the base of social progress.
21
建筑物的稳固性取决于它的地基。

Jiànzhùwù de wěngùxìng qǔjué yú tā de dìjī.

The stability of a building depends on its base.
22
他在数学方面打下了坚实的基础。

Tā zài shùxué fāngmiàn dǎ xiàle jiānshí de jīchǔ.

He laid a solid base in mathematics.

Cultural Notes for 基

💡Did you know?

在中文中，‘基’字不仅表示基础或基本的概念，还可以在一些现代语境中用作俚语，表示性取向，展示了语言的多样性和变化。

Word Family of 基

Compounds5
塞Sai1Serbia
禥
樭
璂
簊
Words Containing This Character20
基本jīběnbasic
基金jījīnfund
基础jīchǔbase基礎
基jībase
基地jīdìal-Qaeda
基因jīyīngene (loanword)
基于jīyúbecause of基於
基本上jīběnshàngbasically
基督Christ
巴基斯坦Pakistan
基层jīcéngbasic level基層
基金会foundation (institution supported by an endowment)基金會
基督教jīdūjiàoChristianity
基督徒Christian
比基尼bikini (loanword)
基准jīzhǔnnorm基準
诺基亚Nokia (company name)諾基亞
肯塔基Kentucky, US state
肯德基KFC
地基base
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 塞 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 基

Examples of 基 (jī) include phrases like '基础教育' (basic education) and '基因' (gene). These terms illustrate how 基 is used to convey foundational concepts in various fields, from education to biology.

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