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Translation and Meaning of: 基 - motoi

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 基 (motoi) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: motoi

Kana: もとい

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: base

Meaning in English: basis

Definition: The original. origin.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (基) motoi

The Japanese word「基」(motoi) is rich in meaning and has an interesting etymology. In the Japanese language,「基」is often used to denote "foundation," "base," or "groundwork." The essence of this word is related to the idea of something that serves as support or a cornerstone for other structures or concepts. The pronunciation "motoi" in Japanese is an Onyomi reading, which is associated with the mentioned meanings.

Etymologically, 「基」 is composed of two main radicals: 「其」, which by itself does not have a specific meaning in modern language but contributes to the idea of location or position, and the lower part 「土」, which means "earth" or "soil". This composition suggests an idea of something that is found in the ground, serving as support, reinforcing the notion of "base" or "foundation".

When addressing the use of this word in the Japanese language, we find variations that amplify its meaning. For example, 「基づく」 (motozuku) means "to be based on" or "to be grounded," while 「基盤」 (kiban) refers to a "base" in the sense of platform or infrastructure. These variations demonstrate how a single kanji can generate several words, each with its own nuances, but all connected to the central idea of support or foundation.

The origin of the use of 「基」 dates back to ancient Japanese, where it was introduced through contact with Chinese culture, along with many other kanji. As the language evolved, 「基」 found its place in technical, scientific, and everyday contexts, becoming a vital part of modern Japanese vocabulary. In summary, the word 「基」 encapsulates both the cultural spirituality of being rooted in something solid and the practicality of being a widely applicable term in various disciplines.

Synonyms and similar words

  • 根 (ne) - Root, origin
  • 本 (hon) - Source, base, can also mean "book"
  • 原 (gen) - Origin, source, may also refer to "field" or "plane"
  • 基礎 (kiso) - Base, foundation
  • 基盤 (kiban) - Base, foundation, underlying structure
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Words related

基づく

motoduku

be reasoned; be based; to be due to

基本

kihon

foundation; base; standard

基盤

kiban

foundation; base

基地

kichi

base

基準

kijyun

standard; base; criteria; standard

基礎

kiso

foundation; base

基金

kikin

bottom; foundation

ベース

be-su

base; low

いい加減

iikagen

moderate; correct; random; not thorough; vague; irresponsible; without enthusiasm

安全

anzen

security

Words with the same pronunciation: もとい motoi

How to Write in Japanese - (基) motoi

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (基) motoi:

Example Sentences - (基) motoi

Below are some example sentences:

生産は経済の基盤です。

Seisan wa keizai no kiban desu

Production is the basis of the economy.

Production is the basis of the economy.

  • 生産 - production
  • は - topic particle
  • 経済 - economy
  • の - possession particle
  • 基盤 - base/foundation
  • です - verb ser/estar in the present
主観に基づいて判断する。

Shukan ni motodzuite handan suru

Decide based on subjective point of view.

Judgment based on subjectivity.

  • 主観に基づいて - based on the subjective
  • 判断する - to judge
コンクリートは建築物の基礎に欠かせない素材です。

Konkurīto wa kenchikubutsu no kiso ni kakasenai sozai desu

Concrete is an essential material for building foundations.

Concrete is an indispensable material for the base of the building.

  • コンクリート - concrete
  • は - topic particle
  • 建築物 - building
  • の - possession particle
  • 基礎 - foundation
  • に - target particle
  • 欠かせない - indispensable
  • 素材 - material
  • です - verb to be/estar
基礎を固めることが大切です。

Kiso wo katameru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to solidify the foundations.

It is important to solidify the foundation.

  • 基礎 - means "foundation" or "base".
  • を - object particle.
  • 固める - verb meaning "to strengthen" or "to solidify".
  • こと - noun meaning "thing" or "fact".
  • が - subject particle.
  • 大切 - adjective meaning "important" or "valuable."
  • です - verb "to be" in polite form.
選挙は民主主義の基本です。

Sensen wa minshu shugi no kihon desu

Elections are the foundation of democracy.

Elections are the basics of democracy.

  • 選挙 - election
  • は - topic particle
  • 民主主義 - democracy
  • の - possession particle
  • 基本 - foundation, base
  • です - verb "to be" in polite form
自由は人間の基本的な権利です。

Jiyuu wa ningen no kihonteki na kenri desu

Freedom is a fundamental human right.

Freedom is the basic human right.

  • 自由 - freedom
  • は - topic particle
  • 人間 - human being
  • の - possession particle
  • 基本的な - Basic
  • 権利 - right
  • です - verb ser/estar in the present
生存は人間にとって最も基本的な欲求の一つです。

Seizon wa ningen ni totte mottomo kihonteki na yokkyū no hitotsu desu

Survival is one of the most basic needs for human beings.

Survival is one of the most basic needs for human beings.

  • 生存 - survival
  • 人間 - human being
  • にとって - para
  • 最も - the most
  • 基本的な - fundamental
  • 欲求 - desire
  • の - in
  • 一つ - one
  • です - é
熟語を覚えるのは日本語学習の基本です。

Jukugo wo oboeru no wa nihongo gakushuu no kihon desu

Learning idioms is fundamental to learning Japanese.

It's the basics of learning Japanese to learn idioms.

  • 熟語 - jukugo - Japanese compound words
  • を - wo - object particle
  • 覚える - oboeru - memorize, remember
  • のは - no wa - topic particle
  • 日本語 - nihongo - Japanese language
  • 学習 - gakushuu - study, learning
  • の - at the - possession particle
  • 基本 - kihon - basic, fundamental
  • です - desu - verb to be, to be
概念は人間の思考の基礎である。

Gainen wa ningen no shikou no kiso de aru

The concepts are the foundation of human thinking.

The concept is the basis of human thought.

  • 概念 (gainen) - concept
  • は (wa) - topic particle
  • 人間 (ningen) - human being
  • の (no) - possession particle
  • 思考 (shikou) - thought
  • の (no) - possession particle
  • 基礎 (kiso) - base, foundation
  • である (dearu) - to be
憲法は国家の基本法である。

Kenpou wa kokka no kihonhou de aru

The Constitution is the fundamental law of the State.

The Constitution is a basic national law.

  • 憲法 - Constitution
  • は - topic particle
  • 国家 - State
  • の - possession particle
  • 基本法 - fundamental law
  • である - is (verb to be)
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Other words of the same type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

基