基层 jīcéng basic level
basic level; grassroots unit; basement layer
How to remember 基层: 基 foundation + 层 layer = basic level.
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How it is used
- The grassroots / basic level (of an organization) - 基层工作 (jīcéng gōngzuò) grassroots work; 深入基层 (shēnrù jīcéng) go down to the front-line units.
- Refers to the lowest, ground-level tier of a hierarchy, contrasted with 上级 (shàngjí, higher-ups). Formal, esp. in officialese.