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.
この像の土台は大理石でできている。
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.
葉の基部が茎を包んでいる。
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.
箱の底に穴が開いている。
There is a hole in the base of the box.
Specifically the base of a tree, plant, or hair. Not for man-made objects.
木の根元にキノコが生えていた。
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.
このスープのベースは鶏ガラです。
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'.
この化粧品の素は天然由来です。
The base of this cosmetic is naturally derived.
Literally 'basic ingredient', used in recipes or formulas. A bit wordy but clear.
カレーの基本材料は玉ねぎ、にんじん、肉です。
The base ingredients for curry are onion, carrot, and meat.
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.
信頼が良い関係の基盤だ。
Trust is the base of a good relationship.
Means 'foundation' or 'basics', often used for knowledge, skills, or theories. Similar to 'fundamentals'.
数学の基礎をしっかり学ぶ。
Learn the base of mathematics thoroughly.
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.
Standard word for military base, air base, naval base, etc.
米軍基地が沖縄にある。
There is a US military base in Okinawa.
Means 'base' in the sense of a stronghold or hub for activities, not necessarily military. Can be used for business or logistics.
One of the four corners of a baseball diamond.
The standard term for a base in baseball. Used in compounds like 一塁 (first base).
彼は二塁に滑り込んだ。
He slid into second base.
Also used, especially in casual speech or when referring to the physical bag.
ランナーがベースを踏んだ。
The runner stepped on the base.
A substance that accepts protons or donates electrons; opposite of acid.
The scientific term for a chemical base. Used in chemistry contexts.
アンモニアは弱塩基です。
Ammonia is a weak base.
Often used for bases that dissolve in water, like in cleaning products. More common in everyday contexts.
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.
像の土台
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.
Let's proceed based on this plan.
There is no base for that claim.
The company has a base in Asia.
この洗剤はアルカリ性です。
This detergent is alkaline (base).