básico

/BAH-see-koh/

basic

A storybook illustration showing geometric primary shapes stacked: a large blue cube forming the base, topped by a red sphere and a yellow pyramid.

This image shows the essential foundation (básico) of primary shapes.

básico(Adjective)

mA1

basic

essential foundation

fundamental

core concept

Also:

essential

absolutely necessary

📝 In Action

Necesitas aprender el vocabulario básico primero.

You need to learn the basic vocabulary first.

El agua y la comida son derechos básicos.

Water and food are basic rights.

Solo sé lo básico de programación.

I only know the basics (the fundamental things) of programming.

Word Connections

Synonyms

fundamental (fundamental)
esencial (essential)

Antonyms

avanzado (advanced)
complejo (complex)

Common Collocations

conocimiento básico – basic knowledge
servicios básicos – essential utilities (like electricity or water)

💡 Grammar Points

Changing the Ending

Since 'básico' is an adjective, its ending must match the gender and number of the noun it describes. Use 'básico' for masculine singular, 'básica' for feminine singular, 'básicos' for masculine plural, and 'básicas' for feminine plural.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting to match the number

Mistake: "Los conceptos es básico."

Correction: Los conceptos son básicos. (The concepts are basic.) Since 'conceptos' is plural, the adjective must also be plural.

⭐ Usage Tips

Referring to 'The Basics'

To talk about 'the basics' or 'the essential things' as a general concept, use the neutral article 'lo' with the masculine form: 'Lo básico es lo más importante.' (The basics are the most important thing.)

A simple storybook illustration featuring a single, perfect red apple placed centrally on a plain wooden surface.

The single, unadorned red apple illustrates the concept of being simple (básico).

básico(Adjective)

mA2

simple

not elaborate or luxurious

plain

rudimentary or unadorned

Also:

no-frills

referring to services or products

📝 In Action

El apartamento es muy básico, solo tiene una cama y una mesa.

The apartment is very basic/simple; it only has a bed and a table.

Compré un teléfono básico que solo sirve para llamar.

I bought a basic phone that is only good for calling.

Word Connections

Synonyms

sencillo (simple)
modesto (modest)

Antonyms

lujoso (luxurious)
sofisticado (sophisticated)

Common Collocations

diseño básico – plain design
menú básico – simple menu

⭐ Usage Tips

Implied Meaning

When describing accommodation or services, 'básico' can sometimes imply that the quality is low or that it lacks common comforts, similar to saying 'bare-bones' in English.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: básico

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the feminine plural form of 'básico'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

base(base/foundation) - noun

básicamente(basically) - adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'básico' have a negative connotation like 'basic' sometimes does in English slang?

Generally, no. In Spanish, 'básico' usually carries a neutral or positive meaning, emphasizing the word's importance as a foundation (like 'essential' or 'fundamental'). When it means 'simple' (Definition 2), it can sometimes imply a lack of luxury, but it is rarely used as a modern slang insult.

How do I say 'basically'?

Use the adverb 'básicamente'. For example: 'Básicamente, el problema es el tiempo.' (Basically, the problem is time.)