Meaning and Usage
"基本" (きほん) means "basic" or "foundation." It refers to the essential or fundamental part of something. It is often used to talk about core principles, rules, or starting points in various contexts such as language learning, rules, or concepts.
Common Collocations
- 基本を学ぶ: to learn the basics
- 基本的なルール: basic rules
- 基本から応用まで: from basics to applications
Usage Notes
"基本" is a noun but can be combined with "的" to form the adjective "基本的" meaning "basic" or "fundamental." It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. When using "基本," speakers imply focusing on the essential or foundational aspects.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "基本" with "基礎" (きそ), which also means "foundation." "基本" often emphasizes the core idea or principle, while "基礎" refers more to the physical or structural foundation. Use "基本" when talking about abstract basics like rules or concepts.