Translation and Meaning of: 基礎 - kiso
The Japanese word 基礎[きそ] is essential for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. It represents a fundamental concept that goes beyond the literal meaning, reflecting important values in Japanese society. In this article, we will explore what this word means, how it is used in everyday life, and why it is so relevant for understanding the Japanese mindset.
In addition to uncovering the meaning of 基礎, let's analyze its origin, how it appears in real contexts, and even tips for memorizing it more easily. If you have already studied Japanese, you have probably encountered this word in educational materials or even in conversations. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to help you understand terms like this clearly and practically.
Meaning and usage of 基礎 [きそ]
In direct translation, 基礎 means "base" or "foundation." It is used to refer to something essential that supports other things, whether in physical contexts, like the base of a building, or abstract ones, like the fundamentals of a theory. In Japan, this word is often associated with the idea of starting with the basics before advancing to more complex levels.
In Japanese education, for example, it is common to hear teachers saying that students need to strengthen their 基礎 before proceeding to more difficult topics. This mindset reflects the importance placed on mastering the basic principles in various areas, from martial arts to language learning. It is no wonder that many study materials for the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) emphasize the need for a solid 基礎 in grammar.
Origin and writing of the word
The word 基礎 is composed of two kanjis: 基 (ki), which means "foundation" or "origin," and 礎 (so), which represents the "cornerstone" of a construction. Together, they reinforce the idea of something that serves as a foundation. Interestingly, the kanji 礎 by itself already carries a quite concrete image, as it historically referred to the large stones used as a base for temples and castles in ancient Japan.
From a linguistic point of view, 基礎 is a word of Sino-Japanese origin (kango), which explains its structure of two kanjis. This type of vocabulary is very common in formal and academic contexts, but it also appears in daily life. The pronunciation "kiso" is relatively easy for Portuguese speakers, as it does not contain sounds that are very different from our own.
Tips for memorizing and using correctly
An effective way to solidify the meaning of 基礎 is to associate it with concrete situations. Think about how a house needs a good foundation to stand – that is the role of 基礎 in any area. Another strategy is to observe how the word appears in compounds such as 基礎知識 (kiso chishiki, "basic knowledge") or 基礎体力 (kiso tairyoku, "basic physical fitness").
It's worth noting that while 基礎 is often translated as "basic," it carries a different weight than 基本 (kihon), another Japanese word for "foundation." While 基本 refers more to principles or methods, 基礎 is more connected to the underlying structure. This nuance is important for those who want to use the term accurately in conversations or texts in Japanese.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 基本 (kihon) - Foundation, basis; fundamental concept.
- 根本 (konpon) - Root, origin; the core of something.
- 土台 (dodai) - Base, foundation; underlying structure.
- 基盤 (kiban) - Base, infrastructure; support that sustains something.
- 基点 (kiten) - Reference point, starting point; initial place for measurements.
Related words
shitaji
foundation; foundation; inclination; fitness; elementary knowledge of; grounding; to fill in; parachute; signals; symptoms; first layer of plaster; soy; soy
Romaji: kiso
Kana: きそ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2
Translation / Meaning: foundation; base
Meaning in English: foundation;basis
Definition: The root or fundamental part of something.
Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (基礎) kiso
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (基礎) kiso:
Example Sentences - (基礎) kiso
See below some example sentences:
Konkurīto wa kenchikubutsu no kiso ni kakasenai sozai desu
Concrete is an essential material for building foundations.
Concrete is an indispensable material for the base of the building.
- コンクリート - concrete
- は - Topic particle
- 建築物 - building
- の - Possession particle
- 基礎 - Foundation
- に - target particle
- 欠かせない - indispensable
- 素材 - material
- です - Verb to be/estar
Kiso wo katameru koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to solidify the foundations.
It is important to solidify the foundation.
- 基礎 - means "foundation" or "base".
- を - object particle.
- 固める - verb meaning "to strengthen" or "to solidify".
- こと - Noun meaning "thing" or "fact".
- が - Subject particle.
- 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
- です - Verb "to be" in polite form.
Gainen wa ningen no shikou no kiso de aru
The concepts are the foundation of human thinking.
The concept is the basis of human thought.
- 概念 (gainen) - concept
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 人間 (ningen) - Human being
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 思考 (shikou) - thought
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 基礎 (kiso) - Base, foundation
- である (dearu) - to be
Dessan wa bijutsu no kiso desu
Dessan is the basis of art.
Dessan is the basis of art.
- デッサン - drawing
- は - Topic particle
- 美術 - beautiful beaches
- の - Possessive particle
- 基礎 - foundation, base
- です - verb "to be", indicating affirmation or politeness
Daidai wa tatemono no kiso desu
The base is the basics of the building.
- 土台 (dodai) - base, foundation
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 建物 (tatemono) - building, construction
- の (no) - Possessive particle
- 基礎 (kiso) - foundation, base
- です (desu) - verb to be, to stay
Kurikaesu koto wa manabi no kiso desu
Repetition is the basis of learning.
- 繰り返す - repeat
- こと - thing
- は - Topic particle
- 学び - learning
- の - Possessive particle
- 基礎 - base/foundation
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
