基本

• Reading: きほん
• Romaji: kihon
• Kanji breakdown: 基 (ki) — base, foundation; 本 (hon/moto) — origin, root, book
• Pronunciation: /ki.hoɴ/

Meaning

Basics; fundamentals; basis; foundation. The essential elements that everything else builds upon.

A noun and no-adjective describing fundamental principles or the starting point of learning. Extremely common in education, sports, and work. Often used as 基本的 (kihon-teki, basic/fundamental) as a na-adjective. The phrase 基本から (from the basics) is used when starting to learn something.

Examples

1. まず料理の基本を学びましょう。 Let's start by learning the basics of cooking.
2. 基本的なルールを守ってください。 Please follow the basic rules.
3. ピアノは基本から練習しています。 I'm practicing piano from the basics.

Usage Guide

Context: education, sports, work

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Combines 基 (base/foundation) and 本 (origin/root). Both kanji refer to foundational elements — together they emphasise the root or basis of something.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal