Translation and Meaning of: 土台 - dodai

The Japanese word 「土台」 (dodai) is a combination of the characters 「土」 (do), which means "earth" or "soil," and 「台」 (dai), which typically means "platform" or "base." Together, these characters form the term that means "foundation" or "base," referring both to a literal base of a construction and to a figurative base in more abstract contexts, such as the basis of an argument or idea.

The etymology of 「土台」 originates from the combination of these kanji, where 「土」 is commonly associated with earth and solid, secure materials, while 「台」 is often used to describe elevated structures or stable surfaces. This term is widely used in architecture and engineering to describe the physical foundation upon which a structure is built, ensuring its stability and safety.

In a more figurative sense, 「土台」 can be used in contexts such as personal or academic development, where it refers to a "solid foundation" of knowledge or skill. The idea here is that a robust and well-established base is essential to support future understandings or achievements. In many aspects of life, this view of building on a solid foundation resonates through culture and values, highlighting the importance of starting with strong fundamentals.

In addition to its practical use, the concept of 「土台」 appears in various Japanese expressions, emphasizing the importance of a stable foundation in different aspects of life. Whether in the construction of buildings or as a guiding principle for personal and professional development, the notion of creating and maintaining a solid base permeates many areas of society, illustrating the ongoing relevance of the term in the Japanese language.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 基盤 (Kiban) - Base, foundation; refers to a fundamental structure or system.
• 基礎 (Kiso) - Base, foundation; used in engineering and construction contexts.
• 土壇場 (Dotanba) - Critical scenario, a situation where quick action is required; it may refer to a point of urgency.
• 土台石 (Dodaiseki) - Base stone; commonly used in constructions to support other elements.
• 土台板 (Dodaiita) - Base plate; part of the foundation that serves as support.
• 基部 (Kibu) - Base or bottom of an object or structure; more generic.
• 基本 (Kihon) - Essential, fundamental; basic principles or concepts.
• 基軸 (Kijiku) - Base axis; it generally refers to a fundamental concept or structure in a system.
• 基盤部 (Kibanbu) - Part of the base; refers to a specific section of a base or structure.
• 基盤面 (Kibanmen) - Base surface; the top face or area of a base structure.
• 基盤板 (Kibanban) - Base plate; similar to 土台板, but can refer to the base in a different context.
• 基盤石 (Kibanseki) - Base rock; a rock or foundational stone that serves as support.
• 基盤構造 (Kibankouzou) - Base structure; refers to the constitution or configuration of a base.
• 基盤構成 (Kibankousei) - Composition of the base; it refers to the components that make up a base.
• 基盤機能 (Kibankinou) - Base function; refers to the essential functionalities of a fundamental structure or system.
• 基盤技術 (Kibangijutsu) - Basic technique; fundamental technologies and methods in a specific field.
• 基盤設計 (Kibansetkei) - Base project; the fundamental planning and design of a structure or system.
• 基盤構築 (Kibankouchiku) - Building the foundation; the process of creating or establishing a base.
• 基盤構造物 (Kibankouzoubutsu) - Base structures; structural physical objects that form a base.

土台

Romaji: dodai
Kana: どだい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: foundation; base; base

Meaning in English: foundation;base;basis

Definition: The part that forms the base of buildings and things.

Example Sentences - (土台) dodai

See below some example sentences:

土台は建物の基礎です。

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