How to Say "basis" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “basis” is “base” — use 'base' when referring to the fundamental principle or main idea that supports something, like a relationship or a concept.
base
BAH-sehˈba.se
Examples
La confianza es la base de cualquier amistad.
Trust is the basis of any friendship.
Este postre tiene una base de chocolate y almendras.
This dessert has a base of chocolate and almonds.
Trabajamos sobre una base de respeto mutuo.
We work on a foundation of mutual respect.
fundamento
foon-dah-MEN-tohfundaˈmento
Examples
La libertad es el fundamento de nuestra sociedad.
Freedom is the foundation of our society.
Necesitas aprender los fundamentos del dibujo antes de pintar.
You need to learn the basics of drawing before painting.
El edificio tiene un fundamento muy sólido.
The building has a very solid foundation.
Always Masculine
Even when referring to a 'base' (which is feminine in Spanish: 'la base'), 'fundamento' is always masculine. Use 'el' and 'un'.
Plural for Subjects
When talking about school subjects or skills, use the plural 'los fundamentos' to mean 'the basics' or 'the fundamentals'.
Fundamento vs. Fundación
Mistake: “Usar 'fundamento' para una organización benéfica.”
Correction: Use 'fundación' for an organization (like the Bill Gates Foundation) and 'fundamento' for the logic or physical base.
premisa
pre-MEE-sahpɾeˈmisa
Examples
La película tiene una premisa muy original.
The movie has a very original premise.
Partimos de la premisa de que todos quieren colaborar.
We are starting from the assumption that everyone wants to collaborate.
Es una premisa equivocada que llevará al fracaso.
It is a wrong premise that will lead to failure.
Always Feminine
Even though it ends in 'a', it doesn't change. It is always 'la premisa' or 'unas premisas' regardless of the context.
Describing Premisa
When you use an adjective to describe it, the adjective must also be feminine, like 'premisa falsa' (false premise).
The 'Premises' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'premisa' to talk about a physical building.”
Correction: Use 'local' or 'instalaciones'. 'Premisa' is only for ideas or logic.
cimiento
see-MYEN-tohθiˈmjento
Examples
La confianza es el cimiento de una buena amistad.
Trust is the foundation of a good friendship.
Sus estudios pusieron los cimientos para la medicina moderna.
His studies laid the foundations for modern medicine.
Ese argumento no tiene ningún cimiento lógico.
That argument has no logical basis.
Abstract Use
In this abstract sense, you can use either the singular 'el cimiento' or plural 'los cimientos' without changing the meaning.
Using 'Base' Every Time
Mistake: “Only using the word 'base' for everything.”
Correction: Try using 'cimiento' to sound more advanced and poetic when talking about abstract values.
Base vs. Fundamento vs. Cimiento
Related Translations
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