Translation and Meaning of: 土台 - dodai

The Japanese word 土台 [どだい] is a term that carries profound meanings and practical applications in everyday life. Whether you are a Japanese language student or someone interested in the culture of Japan, understanding what this word represents can open doors to new perceptions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, usage in sentences, and even how it is perceived in Japanese society.

Besides being a useful word for vocabulary, 土台 also has a significant presence in contexts ranging from physical constructions to metaphors about foundations in life. If you've ever wondered how the Japanese view the concept of "base" or "foundation," this is the right word to start with. Let's dive into its details and discover what makes it so special.

Meaning and translation of 土台

土台 can be translated as "foundation," "basis," or "base." It refers to both physical structures, such as the base of a building, and abstract concepts, like the principles that support an idea. This duality makes the word versatile and applicable in various contexts.

In a concrete sense, 土台 (dodai) is used to describe the lower part of a house or building that ensures its stability. In a figurative sense, it can represent the foundations of a relationship, a career, or even an argument. This ability to transition between the physical and the abstract is one of the reasons why the word is so valued in the Japanese language.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 土台 is composed of two kanjis: 土 (do), which means "earth" or "soil," and 台 (dai), which can be translated as "platform" or "support." Together, they create the idea of a solid base supported by the earth, perfectly reflecting the meaning of the word.

It is interesting to note that both kanjis are common in Japanese and appear in various other words. For example, 土 is also present in terms like 土地 (tochi - land) and 土曜日 (doyoubi - Saturday), while 台 appears in words like 台所 (daidokoro - kitchen) and 台風 (taifuu - typhoon). This familiarity aids in the learning and memorization of 土台.

Cultural use and frequency in Japanese

In Japan, the notion of "solid foundation" is highly valued, whether in traditional architecture or in education. Therefore, 土台 is not just a common word, but also a culturally relevant concept. It frequently appears in discussions about planning, whether in construction or personal development.

Furthermore, the word is used in expressions that emphasize the importance of having strong foundations. For example, to say that something is "土台から崩れる" (dodai kara kuzureru) means it is crumbling from the base, indicating a deep problem. This type of usage shows how language reflects social values, such as the importance of preparation and solidity in various areas of life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

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