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How to Say "base" in Spanish

English → Spanish

base

BAH-sehˈba.se

nounA2general
Use 'base' for the bottom or supporting part of an object, or for a military 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

BAH-sehˈba.se

nounB1military
Use 'base' for a military, naval, or air installation where personnel are stationed.
A tall, colorful cylindrical column resting firmly on a large, solid square foundation block.

Examples

Los soldados regresaron a la base después de la misión.

The soldiers returned to the base after the mission.

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.

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).

cimiento

see-MYEN-tohθiˈmjento

nounB1construction
Use 'cimiento' specifically for the foundation or groundwork of a building or structure.
A thick, solid concrete base of a house under construction showing the structural support.

Examples

Los obreros están terminando de poner los cimientos de la casa.

The workers are finishing laying the foundations of the house.

Si los cimientos son débiles, el edificio puede ser peligroso.

If the foundations are weak, the building can be dangerous.

Echaron el hormigón para el cimiento esta mañana.

They poured the concrete for the foundation this morning.

Usually Plural

When talking about a building, we almost always use the plural 'los cimientos' because a building has many supporting points.

Masculine Gender

This word is always masculine. Remember to use 'el' or 'los' with it.

Cimiento vs. Cemento

Mistake: “Using 'cimiento' to mean the gray powder used in construction.”

Correction: Use 'cemento' for the material (cement) and 'cimiento' for the part of the building (foundation).

pie

pyeh'pje

nounB1geographical
Use 'pie' to refer to the bottom or foot of a geographical feature like a mountain or hill.
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.

vil

beelbil

adjectiveB2abstract/moral
Use 'vil' as an adjective to describe a morally low, mean, or dishonorable quality or action.
A shadowy figure in a dark cloak stealing a small loaf of bread from a hungry child's basket.

Examples

Fue un acto vil que nadie pudo perdonar.

It was a vile act that no one could forgive.

El villano tenía un plan vil para engañar a todo el pueblo.

The villain had a despicable plan to trick the whole town.

No seas tan vil de traicionar a tus propios amigos.

Don't be so mean as to betray your own friends.

One Form for All

This adjective is 'neutral' regarding gender. It stays the same whether you are talking about a man ('un hombre vil') or a woman ('una mujer vil').

Placement for Drama

While it usually comes after the person or thing you are describing, putting it before the noun ('un vil engaño') adds a dramatic, poetic emphasis often found in books.

Confusing 'Vile' with 'Gross'

Mistake: “Using 'vil' to describe disgusting food.”

Correction: Use 'asqueroso' for things that are physically gross. 'Vil' is used for bad character or immoral behavior.

Base vs. Foundation

Learners often confuse 'base' (for an object) and 'cimiento' (for a building). Remember that 'cimiento' is specifically for the structural foundation of buildings or large constructions, while 'base' is a more general term for the bottom of most other things.

Related Translations

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