基 礎(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)からしっかり学(まな)ぶ。

To learn thoroughly from the basics.

この建物(たてもの)は基礎(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).

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)

Related Words

Related: 基本(きほん) (basics)

Related: 基盤(きばん) (base)

Antonym: 応用(おうよう) (application, practical use)

Synonym: 礎(いしずえ) (foundation (literary))

Compare: 土台(どだい) (foundation)

general

Added 2026.1.13 16:50 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

03500/03981_kiso