basado
/bah-SAH-doh/
based (on)
This image shows a structure that is basado (based) on a strong foundation or source.
basado(Adjective)
based (on)
?foundation or source
,founded (on)
?principles or facts
grounded
?in reality or facts
📝 In Action
Esta teoría está basada en estudios científicos recientes.
B1This theory is based on recent scientific studies.
La película está basada en una historia real, no es ficción.
A2The movie is based on a real story; it's not fiction.
Mi plan de negocios está basado en la demanda del mercado.
B2My business plan is grounded in market demand.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Like all Spanish adjectives, 'basado' must match the thing it describes in both gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): basado, basada, basados, basadas.
The 'On' Preposition
When saying something is 'based on' something else, always use the preposition en (on/in), never sobre.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Preposition
Mistake: "El informe está basado sobre datos."
Correction: El informe está basado en datos. (Always use *en* after *basado* to introduce the source.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Estar vs. Ser
You almost always use estar (to be) with basado because you are describing the current state or condition of something (where it gets its foundation from).
As a past participle, basado describes the completed action of establishing a base.
📝 In Action
Nunca hemos basado nuestras decisiones en rumores.
A2We have never based our decisions on rumors.
La junta había basado su veredicto en pruebas falsas.
B1The board had based its verdict on false evidence.
💡 Grammar Points
Forming Perfect Tenses
To talk about actions that happened and are completed, combine the helping verb haber (to have) with basado. For example: Yo he basado (I have based).
Always Masculine Singular
When used with haber to form a perfect tense, the past participle basado never changes its ending; it always stays in the masculine singular form, regardless of who is doing the action.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Perfect Tense with Adjective
Mistake: "Hemos basadOs nuestra estrategia."
Correction: Hemos basadO nuestra estrategia. (When using 'haber,' the participle does not change its ending.)
In modern internet slang, basado means agreeable, cool, or valid.
basado(Adjective)
based
?agreeable, cool, valid (internet slang)
having a strong opinion
?unconventional but respected
📝 In Action
No me gusta su música, pero su último comentario fue muy basado.
C1I don't like his music, but his last comment was very based (very cool/valid).
Esa idea es súper basada. ¡Hay que hacerla!
C2That idea is super based. We have to do it!
💡 Grammar Points
Slang Usage
This meaning is borrowed directly from English internet culture and is used to express strong approval for an opinion that is honest, unconventional, or controversial.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone Check
Only use this meaning with friends or in very informal, digital settings. It would sound strange or inappropriate in a formal conversation or academic paper.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: basado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'basado' in its original, formal sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'basado' means 'founded' or the internet slang 'based'?
Context is key! If it's in a formal setting (news, school, work) and followed by *en* (on), it means 'founded.' If it's used as a short, strong expression of approval for someone's opinion, especially online, it's the slang meaning.
Should I use 'ser' or 'estar' with 'basado'?
You should almost always use *estar*. For example, *El informe está basado en datos* (The report is currently based on data). *Estar* describes the current condition or foundation of something.