基础 jīchǔ base
base; foundation; basis; basic; fundamental
How to remember 基础: 基 foundation + 础 plinth = base.
Characters
How it is used
- 基础 is a noun for an abstract foundation or basis - of knowledge, work, or a relationship - not the physical foundation of a building (that's 地基 dìjī).
- Frequent pattern: 在...的基础上 (zài...de jīchǔ shàng) "on the basis of," e.g. 在原有基础上改进 (zài yuányǒu jīchǔ shàng gǎijìn) - improve on the existing basis.
- Also collocates as 打基础 (dǎ jīchǔ) "lay a foundation" and 基础知识 (jīchǔ zhīshi) "basic knowledge."
- Can modify a noun directly like an adjective: 基础教育 (jīchǔ jiàoyù) "basic education."
Example sentences
- 我们从基础开始学习。 Wǒmen cóng jīchǔ kāishǐ xuéxí.We'll begin our studies with the basics.
- 真正的友谊建立在彼此信任的基础上。 Zhēnzhèng de yǒuyì jiànlì zài bǐcǐ xìnrèn de jīchǔ shàng.True friendship is based on mutual trust.