In context
Example sentences
掌握基本知识很重要。
Zhǎngwò jīběn zhīshi hěn zhòngyào.
It is important to master basic knowledge.
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Related words
HSK levels
基本: HSK 5 on the old exam, HSK 4 on the new one. See where your old level lands
New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting of the new exam is announced for 13 December 2026, for HSK 1 to 6. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.
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Frequently Asked Questions
基本 (jī běn) means "basic; fundamental; main; elementary" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 4.
基本 is pronounced "jī běn" in Mandarin Chinese. It is made up of 2 syllables.
基本 is an HSK 4 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 5 on the old exam, HSK 4 on the new one.
基本 is made up of the characters 基, 本. Each character has its own meaning and can appear in other words.
You can practice writing 基本 using our stroke order tool.
Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.