B1 adjective/adverb Neutral

基本

/jī běn/

Forming an essential foundation or starting point; fundamental. As an adverb, it means 'mainly' or 'on the whole'.

Examples

3 of 5
1

这是我们工作的基本原则。

This is the basic principle of our work.

2

我基本同意你的看法。

I basically agree with your view.

3

这些是进行科学实验的基本要求。

These are the basic requirements for conducting scientific experiments.

Word Family

Noun
基础
Adverb
基本上
Adjective
基本
💡

Memory Tip

Ji (foundation) + Ben (root) = The root and foundation of something.

Quick Quiz

诚实是做人的___原则。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 基本

Examples

1

这是我们工作的基本原则。

formal

This is the basic principle of our work.

2

我基本同意你的看法。

everyday

I basically agree with your view.

3

这些是进行科学实验的基本要求。

academic

These are the basic requirements for conducting scientific experiments.

4

该项目的准备工作已基本完成。

business

The preparation for the project is basically complete.

5

我们只需要买一些基本的生活用品。

informal

We just need to buy some basic daily necessities.

Word Family

Noun
基础
Adverb
基本上
Adjective
基本

Common Collocations

基本原则 basic principle
基本知识 basic knowledge
基本完成 basically completed
基本功 basic skills/foundation
基本工资 base salary

Common Phrases

基本上

basically / on the whole

基本法

Basic Law

基本点

key point / fundamental point

Often Confused With

基本 vs 基础

基础 is usually a noun (foundation); 基本 is usually an adjective (basic) or adverb (basically).

📝

Usage Notes

Useful in IELTS to describe fundamental concepts or to qualify a statement (e.g., 'it is basically true').

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Don't use 基本 to mean 'simple' (简单); something can be basic but very difficult.

💡

Memory Tip

Ji (foundation) + Ben (root) = The root and foundation of something.

📖

Word Origin

From '基' (base) and '本' (root/origin).

Grammar Patterns

基本 + 抽象名词 基本 + 动词/形容词

Quick Quiz

诚实是做人的___原则。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 基本

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