Translation guide
The English word "base" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: physical bottom/support, main ingredient, foundation/basis, military/operations center, and a few others. It does not cover every obscure Japanese word that can be glossed as "base".
The lowest part or the part that supports something, like the base of a statue, mountain, or lamp.
Refers to a foundation or base that supports a structure, like a building or statue. Common and natural.
The base of this statue is made of marble.
More technical, used for the base of an object, plant, or body part. Often in written or formal contexts.
The base of the leaf wraps around the stem.
Means 'bottom' and can be used for the base of a container, bag, or deep object. Not for supporting structures.
There is a hole in the base of the box.
Specifically the base of a tree, plant, or hair. Not for man-made objects.
Mushrooms were growing at the base of the tree.
The primary substance in a mixture, such as in cooking, cosmetics, or chemistry.
Loanword from English, very common for 'base' in cooking, cosmetics, and general mixtures. Natural and widely understood.
The base of this soup is chicken bones.
Often used in compounds like パン種 (bread starter) or だしの素 (soup stock base). Can mean 'source' or 'origin'.
Literally 'basic ingredient', used in recipes or formulas. A bit wordy but clear.
The fundamental part of an idea, system, or argument; the starting point.
Refers to a foundation or basis for something abstract, like a system, society, or business. Very common.
Trust is the base of a good relationship.
Means 'foundation' or 'basics', often used for knowledge, skills, or theories. Similar to 'fundamentals'.
Also used abstractly, like 'on a daily basis' or 'base of operations'. Very flexible.
Specifically 'grounds' or 'basis' for an argument or belief. More formal.
A place where military forces or operations are stationed and organized.
One of the four corners of a baseball diamond.
A substance that accepts protons or donates electrons; opposite of acid.
While ベース is versatile, it is not used for the physical bottom of an object like a statue or mountain. Use 土台 or 基部 instead.
base of the statue
基盤 is more about a platform or foundation for something to exist or operate (e.g., economic base). 基礎 is about the fundamental knowledge or skills (e.g., basics of math). They overlap but have different nuances.
The base of this cosmetic is naturally derived.
The base ingredients for curry are onion, carrot, and meat.
Learn the base of mathematics thoroughly.
Let's proceed based on this plan.
There is no base for that claim.
The company has a base in Asia.
The runner stepped on the base.
この洗剤はアルカリ性です。
This detergent is alkaline (base).