At the A1 level, '기본' (Gibon) is introduced as a noun that means 'basic' or 'standard.' Imagine you are at a Korean restaurant. You might see a '기본 메뉴' (basic menu) or receive '기본 반찬' (basic side dishes). These are the things that come automatically. You don't need to do anything special to get them. At this stage, you should learn that '기본' is something that is always there. You might also hear it in the classroom when a teacher talks about '기본 단어' (basic words). It's a very helpful word because it helps you identify the most important things to focus on first. Just remember: 'Gibon' = The starting point that is always included.
For A2 learners, '기본' starts to take on more meaning regarding skills and rules. You will hear it used in phrases like '기본 예절' (basic manners). This refers to things like saying 'Hello' or 'Thank you.' In Korea, these are not just polite; they are the 'Gibon'—the bare minimum expected of everyone. You will also see this word in your textbooks. '기본 문법' (basic grammar) refers to the rules you are learning right now. You might also use the adverb '기본적으로' (basically) to simplify your thoughts. For example, '기본적으로 저는 고기를 안 먹어요' (Basically, I don't eat meat). This allows you to state your general preferences clearly.
At the B1 level, you should understand '기본' as a 'foundation' for success or professional work. You'll encounter '기본기' (basic skills/techniques) frequently. If you are learning a hobby like dancing or coding, your instructor will emphasize that '기본이 중요하다' (The basics are important). At this level, you start to see the philosophical side of the word. It's not just about 'easy' things; it's about the 'essential' things. You will also encounter '기본 요금' (base fare) for taxis or '기본 설정' (default settings) on your computer. You are moving from just using the word to understanding how it structures Korean life and technology.
B2 learners should be comfortable using '기본' in complex social and professional contexts. You will hear phrases like '기본을 지키다' (to stick to the basics/principles). In a business environment, this means following the standard procedures and ethics. You might discuss '기본권' (basic/fundamental rights) in a conversation about society or law. At this level, you should be able to distinguish '기본' from '기초' and '근본' clearly. You understand that '기본' is the standard by which things are judged. If a plan is '기본에 충실하다' (faithful to the basics), it means it is solid, reliable, and well-thought-out without unnecessary frills.
At the C1 level, '기본' becomes a tool for nuanced critique and sophisticated expression. You might analyze a literary work by looking at its '기본 구조' (basic structure) or discuss the '기본 이념' (basic ideology) of a political movement. You understand the weight of the phrase '기본이 되어 있다' (to have a solid foundation/character). It is high praise, suggesting a person has both the skill and the moral integrity required for a task. You can use '기본' to deconstruct complex arguments, bringing them back to their '기본 전제' (basic premise). Your usage of the word reflects a deep understanding of Korean social expectations and structural logic.
For C2 speakers, '기본' is a versatile concept used to discuss the very fabric of reality, law, and human nature. you might engage in high-level debates about '기본소득' (Universal Basic Income) or the '기본법' (Framework Act) of a nation. You understand how the concept of 'Gibon' ties into Confucian roots of social order and how it has evolved in the hyper-modern digital age of 'default settings.' You can use the word ironically, poetically, or technically with perfect precision. '기본' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a lens through which you interpret Korean culture, ethics, and systemic design.

기본 في 30 ثانية

  • Gibon means basic or foundation.
  • It is used for default settings, basic manners, and core skills.
  • Mastering 'Gibon' is essential before moving to advanced levels in Korea.
  • It is a noun but can act like an adjective or adverb.

The Korean word 기본 (Gibon) is a cornerstone of the Korean language, translating most directly to 'basic,' 'foundation,' or 'fundamental principles.' Derived from the Hanja characters 基 (기 - foundation) and 本 (본 - root), it literally describes the root upon which a foundation is built. In Korean society, 'Gibon' is not just a descriptive adjective for simple things; it is a profound philosophical concept that implies a standard of behavior, a level of skill, or a necessary prerequisite for any endeavor. When someone says 'Gibon-i andwae-isseo' (The basics are not there), it is often a stern critique of someone's character, manners, or professional competence. It suggests that without the root and the foundation, nothing of value can be built or sustained.

Daily Life
In everyday conversation, it refers to the bare minimum or the default state. For example, a 'Gibon menu' in a restaurant refers to the standard offering without extra toppings.
Professionalism
In the workplace, it refers to fundamental skills or 'Gibon-gi' (basic techniques). A veteran might tell a rookie to focus on the basics before trying advanced maneuvers.
Social Etiquette
It is frequently used to describe manners. 'Gibon ye-jeol' refers to the basic etiquette expected of any civilized person in Korea, such as bowing or using honorifics.

무슨 일이든 기본이 가장 중요합니다. (In whatever you do, the basics are the most important.)

Whether you are learning a sport like Taekwondo, a musical instrument, or a new language, your instructor will likely emphasize 'Gibon.' This is because 'Gibon' represents the structural integrity of your progress. In Korean culture, skipping the basics to reach advanced levels is seen as a 'sandcastle' approach—it looks impressive but will inevitably collapse. Therefore, 'Gibon' carries a weight of discipline and patience. It is the silent work done in the shadows before the spotlight hits. When you master the 'Gibon,' you are considered 'ready' for the world.

이 기계의 기본 설정은 영어입니다. (The default setting of this machine is English.)

Hanja Breakdown
基 (Foundation) + 本 (Root). Together, they form the essence of what something is built upon.

Furthermore, 'Gibon' is used in modern technology to mean 'default' or 'standard.' Your phone's 'Gibon apps' are the pre-installed ones. Your 'Gibon profile' is the one you start with. This versatility makes it one of the most frequently used nouns in the Korean language, spanning from ancient Confucian values to the latest smartphone settings. Understanding 'Gibon' is, quite literally, 'Gibon' for any Korean learner.

Using 기본 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. As a noun, it often pairs with the copula '이다' (to be) or takes various particles to function as an adverb or adjective. The most common way to use it is as a noun modifying another noun, such as '기본 원칙' (basic principle) or '기본 요금' (base fare). When you want to say something is 'basically' true or 'in principle,' you use the adverbial form 기본적으로.

이 요리는 기본에 충실한 맛입니다. (This dish has a taste that is faithful to the basics.)

Noun + Noun
기본 상식 (Common sense), 기본 교육 (Basic education), 기본 권리 (Basic rights).
As an Adverb
기본적으로 (Basically/Fundamentally). '그는 기본적으로 착한 사람이에요.' (He is basically a kind person.)
With Verbs
기본을 지키다 (To follow the basics), 기본을 다지다 (To strengthen the foundation).

One of the most powerful ways to use 'Gibon' is in the phrase '기본이다'. This can mean 'It's the basics,' but it often implies 'It's a given' or 'It's mandatory.' For example, if someone asks if they should wear a suit to a wedding, you might respond, '그건 기본이지' (That's a given/the bare minimum). It suggests that the action is so fundamental that it shouldn't even need to be questioned.

운동을 하기 전에 기본 스트레칭을 하세요. (Do basic stretching before exercising.)

In academic or technical contexts, '기본' is used to define the core elements of a system. In a math class, you might learn '기본 공식' (basic formulas). In law, '기본법' refers to a fundamental law or framework act. The beauty of '기본' is that it scales from the very simple (basic food) to the very complex (constitutional law) without changing its core meaning of 'the essential starting point.'

You will encounter 기본 in almost every facet of Korean life. If you watch Korean sports broadcasts, especially baseball or soccer, commentators obsess over 기본기 (Gibon-gi). When a player makes a simple error, the commentator might sigh and say, '기본기가 부족하네요' (Their basic skills are lacking). This highlights how much value is placed on mastery of the simple things before attempting the spectacular.

저 선수는 기본기가 아주 탄탄합니다. (That athlete's basic skills are very solid.)

In Restaurants
'기본 반찬' (Gibon banchan) refers to the standard side dishes that come with every meal. You don't order them; they are the 'foundation' of the table.
In K-Dramas
Characters often argue about 'human basics' (사람으로서의 기본). A common line is '너는 사람으로서 기본이 안 되어 있어!' (You lack the basic decency of a human being!).
In Shopping
'기본 아이템' (Gibon item) refers to wardrobe essentials like a plain white t-shirt or black slacks—items that form the foundation of any outfit.

In the Korean education system, 'Gibon' is a constant theme. Textbooks are often titled '기본 수학' (Basic Math) or '기본 영어' (Basic English). However, don't let the word 'basic' fool you; in Korea, 'Gibon' courses are often quite rigorous because they are designed to ensure the foundation is unbreakable. Even in the K-pop industry, trainees spend years on '기본기'—learning how to breathe, stand, and move in the most 'basic' way before they are allowed to debut with complex choreography.

이 옷은 기본 디자인이라서 어디에나 잘 어울려요. (This clothing has a basic design, so it goes well with everything.)

Finally, you'll hear it in the tech world. '기본 앱' (Default apps) and '기본 브라우저' (Default browser) are standard terms. In any setting where a 'standard' or 'minimum requirement' is discussed, 'Gibon' is the go-to word. It bridges the gap between the philosophical 'essence of being' and the practical 'factory settings' of a device.

The most common mistake learners make with 기본 is confusing it with its close cousin, 기초 (Gicho). While both translate to 'basic' or 'foundation' in English, their usage is distinct. 기초 usually refers to the physical foundation of a building or the very first step of a learning process (like the ABCs). 기본, on the other hand, refers to the essential principles, standards, or the 'must-have' quality of something.

Wrong: 기초 예절을 지키세요.
Right: 기본 예절을 지키세요.

Gicho (기초)
Focuses on the beginning stage. 'Gicho Hangugeo' (Beginner Korean). It's about the sequence (Step 1).
Gibon (기본)
Focuses on the essence or standard. 'Gibon Ye-jeol' (Basic Etiquette). It's about the quality or requirement.

Another mistake is using 'Gibon' when you mean 'Easy.' While basic things are often easy, 'Gibon' in Korean can actually be quite difficult. Mastering 'Gibon-gi' in a sport can take a lifetime. If you tell a Korean teacher that the homework was 'Gibon,' they might be confused. Instead, use 'Swi-wo-yo' (It's easy). 'Gibon' describes the *nature* of the task, not necessarily its *difficulty* level.

기본이 안 되어 있다 (Lacking basics) is a very strong criticism. Be careful using it with friends!

Lastly, learners often forget that '기본' is a noun. In English, we use 'basic' as an adjective ('a basic plan'). In Korean, you can't just say '기본 계획.' While it is often used as a prefix, in many cases, you need to add '적인' to make it '기본적인' (basic/fundamental) to function clearly as an adjective in a sentence. Forgetting this can make your Korean sound choppy or like a direct translation from English.

To truly master the concept of 'foundation' in Korean, you should understand the nuances between 기본 and its synonyms. While '기본' is the most versatile, other words carry specific weights depending on whether you are talking about philosophy, construction, or education.

기초 (Gicho)
Usage: Physical foundations or the very start of a curriculum. Use this for 'Gicho-gongsa' (foundation work on a building) or 'Gicho-haksup' (foundational learning).
근본 (Geunbon)
Usage: Root or source. This is more philosophical and deep than '기본.' It's often used when discussing the 'root cause' of a problem (근본적인 원인) or a person's 'innate nature.'
바탕 (Batang)
Usage: Background, base color, or the underlying quality. It's a pure Korean word (not Hanja-based). You might hear '바탕화면' (desktop background) or '노력은 성공의 바탕이다' (Effort is the basis of success).

기본 (Essential Standard) vs. 기초 (Starting Step) vs. 근본 (Deep Root)

When should you use which? If you are talking about a standard that everyone should follow (like manners), use 기본. If you are talking about the very first lesson in a book, use 기초. If you are talking about the core essence of a person's soul or the ultimate origin of a complex issue, use 근본. Finally, use 바탕 when you want to describe the 'canvas' or the 'background' upon which something is built.

토대 (Todae) is another alternative, specifically meaning 'groundwork' or 'pedestal,' often used in political or social contexts.

In summary, '기본' is your 'all-rounder' word. It covers 'default,' 'standard,' 'basic,' and 'fundamental.' As you advance, using '기초,' '근본,' and '바탕' will make your Korean sound more nuanced and native-like. But for now, mastering '기본' is—well—the '기본' of your Korean vocabulary journey!

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The character 基 originally depicted a winnowing basket placed on the ground, symbolizing the very bottom or base of something.

دليل النطق

UK /ki.bon/
US /ki.boʊn/
The stress is equal on both syllables, though the first syllable '기' might feel slightly more emphasized in natural speech.
يتقافى مع
자본 (Jabon - Capital) 일본 (Ilbon - Japan) 원본 (Wonbon - Original copy) 표본 (Pyobon - Sample) 근본 (Geunbon - Root) 대본 (Daebon - Script) 제본 (Jebon - Binding) 등본 (Deungbon - Certified copy)
أخطاء شائعة
  • Pronouncing '기' like the English 'key' with too much aspiration (it should be softer).
  • Pronouncing '본' like 'bun' (it should be a clear 'o' sound).
  • Adding a stress accent on the second syllable.
  • Mumbling the 'n' final consonant.
  • Confusing it with 'Gibu' (donation).

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 2/5

The word is short and common, but appears in many compound forms.

الكتابة 2/5

Simple to write in Hangeul, but requires knowing when to add '적인'.

التحدث 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but the 'k/g' sound needs care.

الاستماع 1/5

Very easy to recognize in daily conversation.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

기초 중요 원칙 사람 배우다

تعلّم لاحقاً

근본 본질 바탕 토대 기준

متقدم

기본권 기본법 기본소득 기본기 기본형

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

이것은 기본 메뉴입니다.

This is the basic menu.

기본 (noun) + 메뉴 (noun)

2

기본 반찬이 맛있어요.

The basic side dishes are delicious.

기본 (noun) + 반찬 (noun)

3

기본 단어를 공부해요.

I study basic words.

기본 (noun) + 단어 (noun)

4

기본 요금은 3,800원입니다.

The base fare is 3,800 won.

기본 (noun) + 요금 (noun)

5

기본 인사는 중요해요.

Basic greetings are important.

기본 (noun) + 인사 (noun)

6

기본 색깔은 하얀색입니다.

The basic color is white.

기본 (noun) + 색깔 (noun)

7

기본 질문이 있어요.

I have a basic question.

기본 (noun) + 질문 (noun)

8

기본 가방을 샀어요.

I bought a basic bag.

기본 (noun) + 가방 (noun)

1

기본 예절을 지키세요.

Please follow basic etiquette.

기본 (noun) + 예절 (noun)

2

기본적으로 저는 매운 것을 못 먹어요.

Basically, I cannot eat spicy food.

기본적 (noun) + 으로 (adverbial particle)

3

기본 설정으로 바꿨어요.

I changed it to the default settings.

기본 (noun) + 설정 (noun)

4

이 책은 기본 문법을 설명해요.

This book explains basic grammar.

기본 (noun) + 문법 (noun)

5

기본 실력이 아주 좋아요.

Your basic skills are very good.

기본 (noun) + 실력 (noun)

6

기본 원칙을 알아야 합니다.

You must know the basic principles.

기본 (noun) + 원칙 (noun)

7

기본형 동사를 배우세요.

Learn the basic form of verbs.

기본형 (compound noun: basic form)

8

기본 도구가 필요해요.

I need basic tools.

기본 (noun) + 도구 (noun)

1

운동선수는 기본기가 탄탄해야 합니다.

Athletes must have solid basic skills.

기본기 (compound noun: basic skills)

2

그 사람은 기본이 안 되어 있어요.

That person lacks the basics (manners/character).

기본 (noun) + 이 (subject particle)

3

기본 교육은 국가의 의무입니다.

Basic education is a duty of the state.

기본 (noun) + 교육 (noun)

4

기본에 충실한 디자인이 인기가 많아요.

Designs that are faithful to the basics are popular.

기본 (noun) + 에 (to/at) + 충실한 (faithful)

5

기본 지식이 부족해서 이해하기 힘들어요.

It's hard to understand because I lack basic knowledge.

기본 (noun) + 지식 (noun)

6

기본 옵션만 선택했어요.

I only selected the basic options.

기본 (noun) + 옵션 (noun)

7

이것은 기본 상식이에요.

This is common sense (basic knowledge).

기본 (noun) + 상식 (noun)

8

기본 틀을 먼저 만드세요.

Make the basic framework first.

기본 (noun) + 틀 (noun/frame)

1

민주주의의 기본 원리를 배웁니다.

We learn the basic principles of democracy.

기본 (noun) + 원리 (principle)

2

기본권은 헌법에 의해 보장됩니다.

Basic rights are guaranteed by the constitution.

기본권 (compound noun: fundamental rights)

3

기본적인 생활비가 많이 올랐어요.

The basic cost of living has increased a lot.

기본적인 (adjective form)

4

그의 주장은 기본적으로 타당합니다.

His argument is basically valid.

기본적으로 (adverb)

5

컴퓨터의 기본 운영 체제를 확인하세요.

Check the basic operating system of the computer.

기본 (noun) + 운영 체제 (OS)

6

기본 소득에 대한 논의가 활발합니다.

Discussions about basic income are active.

기본 (noun) + 소득 (income)

7

이 요리는 재료의 기본 맛을 살렸어요.

This dish brought out the basic flavor of the ingredients.

기본 (noun) + 맛 (taste)

8

기본 방침을 준수해 주시기 바랍니다.

Please comply with the basic policy.

기본 (noun) + 방침 (policy)

1

인간으로서의 기본 도리를 다해야 한다.

One must fulfill their basic duties as a human being.

기본 (noun) + 도리 (duty/way)

2

사건의 기본 성격을 파악하는 것이 우선이다.

Grasping the basic nature of the incident is the priority.

기본 (noun) + 성격 (character/nature)

3

기본적인 인권 침해는 묵과할 수 없다.

Violations of basic human rights cannot be overlooked.

기본적인 (adjective form)

4

그 정책은 기본 취지에서 벗어났다.

That policy has deviated from its basic intent.

기본 (noun) + 취지 (intent)

5

기본 구상을 실현하는 데 어려움이 많다.

There are many difficulties in realizing the basic concept.

기본 (noun) + 구상 (concept/plan)

6

이 이론은 몇 가지 기본 가정을 전제로 한다.

This theory is predicated on several basic assumptions.

기본 (noun) + 가정 (assumption)

7

기본법 제정의 필요성이 제기되고 있다.

The need to enact a framework act is being raised.

기본법 (framework act)

8

그의 연주는 기본 해석에 충실하면서도 독창적이다.

His performance is original while being faithful to the basic interpretation.

기본 (noun) + 해석 (interpretation)

1

국가 운영의 기본 틀을 혁신적으로 개편해야 한다.

The basic framework of national operation must be innovatively reorganized.

기본 (noun) + 틀 (framework)

2

그 철학자의 사상은 기본적으로 실존주의에 뿌리를 두고 있다.

That philosopher's thoughts are basically rooted in existentialism.

기본적으로 (adverb)

3

기본권의 제한은 최소한에 그쳐야 한다는 원칙이 있다.

There is a principle that the restriction of basic rights should be kept to a minimum.

기본권 (fundamental rights)

4

이 보고서는 경제 위기의 기본 원인을 심층 분석하고 있다.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the basic causes of the economic crisis.

기본 (noun) + 원인 (cause)

5

기본 가치관의 차이가 갈등의 근원이다.

Differences in basic values are the source of the conflict.

기본 (noun) + 가치관 (values)

6

문명의 기본 요건에 대해 다시 생각해 볼 때이다.

It is time to rethink the basic requirements of civilization.

기본 (noun) + 요건 (requirement)

7

기본법상의 권리와 의무를 명확히 규정해야 한다.

Rights and duties under the framework act must be clearly defined.

기본법상 (under the framework act)

8

그의 통찰은 현상의 기본 원리를 꿰뚫고 있다.

His insight pierces through to the basic principles of the phenomenon.

기본 (noun) + 원리 (principle)

تلازمات شائعة

기본을 다지다
기본에 충실하다
기본을 지키다
기본이 안 되어 있다
기본기가 탄탄하다
기본 요금
기본 설정
기본권 보장
기본 상식
기본 아이템

العبارات الشائعة

기본 중의 기본

— The most basic of the basics. Something absolutely essential.

인사는 인간관계의 기본 중의 기본입니다.

기본은 하다

— To do at least the bare minimum or a decent job.

준비를 안 했지만 기본은 했어요.

기본이 되다

— To have the right foundation or character.

그 친구는 참 기본이 된 친구야.

기본으로 돌아가다

— To go back to basics.

문제가 생기면 기본으로 돌아가야 합니다.

기본적으로 말해서

— Basically speaking.

기본적으로 말해서, 이건 불가능해요.

기본 사양

— Standard specifications.

이 노트북의 기본 사양을 알려주세요.

기본 전제

— Basic premise.

우리의 기본 전제가 틀렸을 수도 있어요.

기본 원리

— Basic principles.

자연의 기본 원리를 탐구합니다.

기본 소득

— Basic income.

기본 소득제 도입을 논의 중입니다.

기본 교육

— Basic education.

기본 교육 과정을 마쳤습니다.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"기본이 안 되어 있다"

— To lack basic manners or character (often used as a harsh criticism).

너는 사람으로서 기본이 안 되어 있어!

Informal/Angry
"기본은 먹고 들어가다"

— To start with an advantage or to have a guaranteed minimum success.

외모가 좋으면 기본은 먹고 들어가지.

Slang/Informal
"기본에 살고 기본에 죽다"

— To live and die by the basics (to be extremely disciplined).

그 감독은 기본에 살고 기본에 죽는 사람이다.

Neutral
"기본이 밥 먹여준다"

— Basics are what put food on the table (Basics are the most important for survival/success).

기술도 좋지만 결국 기본이 밥 먹여준다.

Informal
"기본이 탄탄하다"

— To have an unshakable foundation.

기본이 탄탄하면 무너지지 않아요.

Neutral
"기본만 해라"

— Just do the bare minimum (don't overdo it or underdo it).

너무 튀지 말고 기본만 해.

Informal
"기본으로 깔다"

— To have something as a basic requirement or starting point.

영어는 기본으로 깔고 가야죠.

Informal
"기본이 서다"

— For the basics/order to be established.

나라의 기본이 서야 경제도 산다.

Formal
"기본을 잊다"

— To forget one's roots or original principles.

성공했다고 기본을 잊으면 안 된다.

Neutral
"기본만 못하다"

— To be worse than the basic/standard level.

이 요리는 기본만 못하네.

Informal

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

기본기 (Basic skills)
기본권 (Basic rights)
기본법 (Framework act)
기본형 (Basic form)

الأفعال

기본하다 (To be based on - rare, usually '기본으로 하다')

الصفات

기본적 (Basic/Fundamental)

مرتبط

기초 (Foundation)
근본 (Root)
바탕 (Background)
기준 (Standard)
원칙 (Principle)

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of a 'Key' (기) to a 'Bone' (본). The basic structure of the body is the bone, and the key is essential to unlock it.

ربط بصري

Imagine a sturdy tree with deep roots (本) growing from a solid stone foundation (基).

Word Web

Foundation Standard Default Root Manners Skills Rights Principles

تحدٍّ

Try to identify three '기본 아이템' (basic items) in your room and say them out loud in Korean.

أصل الكلمة

Derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters).

المعنى الأصلي: 基 (Foundation stone) + 本 (Root of a tree).

Sino-Korean

السياق الثقافي

Calling someone '기본이 없다' is very rude and should be avoided in polite company.

While English speakers use 'basic' sometimes as an insult for being unoriginal, in Korean, 'Gibon' is almost always a positive or neutral necessity.

The book '기본이 전부다' (Basics are Everything) is a popular business book in Korea. K-pop stars often credit their success to '기본기' training. Korean laws often start with a '기본법' (Framework Act) to set the stage.

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