(きそ)

きそ
noun
foundation; basis
1. foundation; basis; fundamentals
The underlying support or groundwork for something, whether physical (like a building) or abstract (like knowledge or skills).
基礎(きそ)からしっかり(まな)ぶ。
To learn thoroughly from the basics.
この建物(たてもの)基礎(きそ)がしっかりしている。
This building has a solid foundation.
基礎(きそ)体力(たいりょく)をつける。
To build up basic physical fitness.

USAGE: Used both literally (building foundations) and figuratively (basic knowledge, fundamental skills).

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 基礎(きそ)知識(ちしき) (basic knowledge)
  • 基礎(きそ)体力(たいりょく) (basic physical fitness)
  • 基礎(きそ)工事(こうじ) (foundation work)
  • 基礎(きそ)研究(けんきゅう) (basic research)
  • 基礎(きそ)英語(えいご) (basic English)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 土台(どだい) - foundation (more physical/concrete)
  • 基本(きほん) - basics, fundamentals (more about principles)
  • 基盤(きばん) - base, foundation (often for systems/organizations)