Translation guide
How to express the idea of a foundational support, basis, or underlying structure in Japanese, from literal construction to abstract principles.
Physical beams, foundations, or supports that hold up a building or structure.
The base or foundation of a building; also used metaphorically for a basis.
The underpinning of the house is solid.
Foundation or groundwork, used for both physical structures and abstract concepts.
Reinforce the underpinning of the building.
A prop or strut; a supporting pillar. More specific than general underpinning.
Inspect the underpinning pillars of the bridge.
The fundamental principles, ideas, or evidence that support a theory, argument, or system.
A foundation or base, often used for systems, societies, or abstract structures.
Strengthen the underpinning of democracy.
Grounds or basis for an argument; emphasizes the evidence or reason behind something.
Supporting evidence or backing; often used for data or facts that underpin a claim.
Cornerstone or foundation; a slightly literary term for the fundamental basis of something important.
The network or structure that supports an organization, economy, or process from below.
Support or prop; can be used for both physical and abstract underpinning, often with a nuance of emotional or structural support.
Family is the underpinning of his life.
Underpinning or support from below; often used in economic contexts for measures that prop up the economy.
Short for infrastructure; refers to the physical and organizational underpinnings of society.
土台 (どだい) is often used for the physical base of a building or metaphorically for a foundation. 基礎 (きそ) is more common for academic or skill foundations. 基盤 (きばん) is preferred for abstract systems or social foundations.
The English word 'underpinning' is often used in the plural ('underpinnings'), but Japanese equivalents are usually singular or mass nouns. Do not directly translate the plural form.
その理論の根拠は弱い。
The underpinning of that theory is weak.
この主張には十分な裏付けがない。
This claim lacks sufficient underpinning.
教育は国の発展の礎だ。
Education is the underpinning of a nation's development.
Government stimulus measures are underpinning the economy.
都市のインフラを整備する。
Develop the city's underpinning infrastructure.