Inklingo

How to Say "base" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “base” is “base” — use 'base' when referring to the bottom or supporting part of an object, or a military/air installation..

English → Spanish

base

/BAH-seh//ˈba.se/

NounA2General
Use 'base' when referring to the bottom or supporting part of an object, or a military/air installation.
A tall, colorful cylindrical column resting firmly on a large, solid square foundation block.

Examples

La base de la lámpara es muy pesada para que no se caiga.

The base of the lamp is very heavy so it doesn't fall over.

Construyeron la casa sobre una base de concreto.

They built the house on a concrete foundation.

Los soldados regresaron a la base después de la misión.

The soldiers returned to the base after the mission.

La compañía tiene su base de operaciones en Madrid.

The company has its base of operations in Madrid.

Always Feminine: 'la base'

Even though 'base' doesn't end in '-a', it's a feminine word. Always remember to use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'la base' (the base) or 'una base sólida' (a solid base).

base

NounB1General
Use 'base' specifically for a military, naval, or air installation where personnel or equipment are stationed.

Examples

Los soldados regresaron a la base después de la misión.

The soldiers returned to the base after the mission.

pie

/pyeh//'pje/

NounB1General
Use 'pie' to describe the bottom or foot of something elevated, like a mountain, statue, or lamp.
A storybook illustration showing a towering mountain with a small, colorful tent pitched directly at the base where the mountain meets the flat ground.

Examples

Acampamos al pie de la montaña.

We camped at the foot/base of the mountain.

Hay una nota importante al pie de la página.

There's an important note at the bottom of the page.

El pie de esta lámpara es de madera.

The base of this lamp is made of wood.

Confusing 'base' and 'pie'

Learners often use 'base' for the bottom of a mountain or statue when 'pie' is the more natural and specific choice. Remember that 'pie' refers to the 'foot' or 'base' of something standing tall, while 'base' is more general for supporting structures or installations.

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