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 fundamental principles, ideas, or evidence that support a theory, argument, or system.
A foundation or base, often used for systems, societies, or abstract structures.
The network or structure that supports an organization, economy, or process from below.
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.
The underpinning of the house is solid.
Foundation or groundwork, used for both physical structures and abstract concepts.
建物の基礎を補強する。
Reinforce the underpinning of the building.
A prop or strut; a supporting pillar. More specific than general underpinning.
橋の支柱を点検する。
Inspect the underpinning pillars of the bridge.
民主主義の基盤を強化する。
Strengthen the underpinning of democracy.
Grounds or basis for an argument; emphasizes the evidence or reason behind something.
その理論の根拠は弱い。
The underpinning of that theory is weak.
Supporting evidence or backing; often used for data or facts that underpin a claim.
この主張には十分な裏付けがない。
This claim lacks sufficient underpinning.
Cornerstone or foundation; a slightly literary term for the fundamental basis of something important.
教育は国の発展の礎だ。
Education is the underpinning of a nation's development.
Support or prop; can be used for both physical and abstract underpinning, often with a nuance of emotional or structural support.
家族が彼の人生の支えだ。
Family is the underpinning of his life.
Underpinning or support from below; often used in economic contexts for measures that prop up the economy.
政府の景気対策が経済を下支えしている。
Government stimulus measures are underpinning the economy.
Short for infrastructure; refers to the physical and organizational underpinnings of society.
都市のインフラを整備する。
Develop the city's underpinning infrastructure.