Learn a Chinese Character - 基

1. Character Basics

Radical: 土 (tǔ, earth radical)

Stroke Count: 11

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: jī

3. Meaning

English meaning: foundation, base, basis, fundamental

4. Common Words

• 基础 (jī chǔ) - foundation, basis
• 基金 (jī jīn) - fund
• 基地 (jī dì) - base, foundation
• 基本 (jī běn) - basic, fundamental
• 基层 (jī céng) - grassroots level
• 地基 (dì jī) - foundation (of a building)

5. Grammar & Usage

Usage notes:

• 主要用作名词，表示基础、根基、根本
• 常与其他词组合成表示各种基础或根基的词汇
• 在"基本"等词中用作形容词，表示基础的、根本的

6. Cultural Background

The character "基" combines "其" (qí, that) and "土" (tǔ, earth). Originally, it referred to the base or foundation made of earth. In Chinese culture, the concept of "基" is highly valued, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation in any endeavor.

There is a famous Chinese saying: "万丈高楼平地起" (wàn zhàng gāolóu píngdì qǐ), which means "A tall building starts from the ground," highlighting the importance of a solid foundation.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Mnemonic: The character "基" has "其" (qí, that) on top and "土" (tǔ, earth) below. Imagine that (其) foundation is made of earth (土).

Another way: Think of the radical "土" related to the ground or earth, which connects to the meaning of foundation.