Translation guide
The English word 'foundation' can refer to a physical base of a building, an underlying basis or principle, or an organization that provides funding. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
The concrete or structural base on which a building stands.
The most common word for the physical foundation of a building or structure.
この建物の基礎はとても頑丈です。
The foundation of this building is very sturdy.
Refers to the base or platform, often used for wooden structures or metaphorically.
家の土台が腐ってしまった。
The foundation of the house has rotted.
Refers to the ground or soil as a foundation, often in engineering contexts.
地盤が弱いので、基礎を補強する必要がある。
Because the ground is weak, we need to reinforce the foundation.
The fundamental idea, principle, or fact on which something is based.
Used for the basics or fundamentals of a subject, skill, or system.
数学の基礎をしっかり学ぶことが大切です。
It's important to learn the foundations of mathematics thoroughly.
Often used for the foundation of society, economy, or abstract systems.
Metaphorically used for the basis of something, similar to 'groundwork'.
Refers to the root or fundamental cause; more philosophical.
An institution established to provide financial support, such as a charitable foundation.
Standard term for a foundation as a legal entity that manages assets for a purpose.
彼は教育財団を設立した。
He established an educational foundation.
Often refers to a fund or foundation that provides grants or scholarships.
General term for a corporation or legal entity; used in names like 財団法人 (foundation).
基礎 (kiso) is the most versatile and common for both physical and abstract foundations. 基盤 (kiban) is often used for large-scale abstract foundations like society or economy. 土台 (dodai) can be physical or metaphorical but implies a base that supports something above it.
The loanword ファンデーション (fandēshon) only refers to makeup foundation. Using it for other meanings will cause confusion.
ファンデーションを塗る
to apply foundation (makeup)
建物の基礎はコンクリートでできています。
The foundation of the building is made of concrete.
信頼はあらゆる関係の基盤です。
Trust is the foundation of any relationship.
彼女は慈善財団で働いています。
She works for a charitable foundation.
ファンデーションを塗る
to apply foundation (makeup)
Education is the foundation of society.
Trust is the foundation of business.
問題の根本を理解しなければならない。
We must understand the foundation of the problem.
This research is supported by a science foundation.
この財団法人は環境保護に取り組んでいる。
This foundation is working on environmental protection.