土台(どだい)

どだい
noun; adverb
foundation; base; from the outset
1. foundation; base; groundwork
The underlying structure or basis on which something is built, either literally (building foundation) or figuratively (basis for an argument).
家(いえ)の土台(どだい)をしっかり作(つく)る。
Build a solid foundation for the house.
基礎(きそ)教育(きょういく)が将来(しょうらい)の土台(どだい)になる。
Basic education becomes the foundation for the future.
その計画(けいかく)は土台(どだい)からおかしい。
That plan is flawed from the very foundation.
2. from the start; fundamentally; to begin with
Used adverbially to emphasize that something is impossible or wrong from the very beginning.
土台(どだい)無理(むり)な話(はなし)だ。
It's an impossible request to begin with.
その計画(けいかく)は土台(どだい)からおかしい。
That plan is flawed from the very foundation.

COMPOSITION: 土(ど) (earth, ground) + 台(だい) (base, platform).

SENSE 1 - FOUNDATION:

CONCRETE USE:

  • 建物(たてもの)の土台(どだい): building foundation
  • 基礎(きそ)工事(こうじ): foundation work

FIGURATIVE USE:

  • 議論(ぎろん)の土台(どだい): basis of an argument
  • 信頼(しんらい)の土台(どだい): foundation of trust
  • 土台(どだい)を築(きず)く: to build a foundation

SENSE 2 - ADVERBIAL:

Emphasizes impossibility or fundamental problems:

  • 土台(どだい)無理(むり): impossible from the start
  • 土台(どだい)からして間違(まちが)い: wrong from the beginning

NOTE: In adverbial use, often followed by negative expressions or criticism.

SYNONYMS:

  • 基礎(きそ): foundation, basis
  • 基盤(きばん): foundation, base
  • 根底(こんてい): root, basis
  • 根本(こんぽん): fundamental

Related Words

Synonym: 基礎(きそ) (foundation)
general
Added 2026.1.19 8:54 · Revised 2026.1.24 23:24
07000/07146_dodai