bases
“bases” means “foundations” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
foundations, bases
Also: principles, groundwork
📝 In Action
Necesitamos revisar las bases del contrato antes de firmar.
B1We need to review the foundations (or terms) of the contract before signing.
El corredor llegó a la segunda bases sin problema.
A2The runner reached second base without a problem.
La ciencia moderna se apoya en bases sólidas de investigación.
C1Modern science rests upon solid foundations of research.
(that) you base, (that) you rely
Also: don't base
📝 In Action
Espero que no bases tu decisión solo en rumores.
B1I hope that you don't base your decision only on rumors.
No bases tu argumento en información falsa.
B2Don't base your argument on false information. (Negative command)
Si bases tu plan en datos sólidos, tendrás éxito.
B1If you base your plan on solid data, you will succeed. (Used informally in a conditional structure)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: bases
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'bases' as a negative command?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *basis*, which itself came from Greek *básis*, meaning 'a step, a footing, a foundation.' It has always related to the bottom or supporting part of something.
First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'bases' masculine or feminine?
When 'bases' is the plural noun (meaning foundations or principles), it is feminine, as it comes from 'la base'. When it is the verb form, it doesn't have a gender, but it refers to the informal 'tú' (you).
How do I know if 'bases' is the noun or the verb?
If you see a plural article before it (like 'las' or 'unas') or an adjective (like 'sólidas'), it is the noun. If you see it following a phrase like 'Espero que...' or 'No...' (as a command), it is the verb form.