en base a 30秒で
- Used to show the foundation of a decision or argument.
- Common in professional, legal, and academic Spanish.
- Often criticized by grammarians who prefer 'sobre la base de'.
- Essential for B1+ learners to sound professional and logical.
The phrase "en base a" is a complex prepositional locution in Spanish that functions as a connector to indicate the foundation, premise, or starting point of an action, decision, or argument. In English, it most directly translates to "based on" or "on the basis of." While it is ubiquitous in professional, legal, and journalistic contexts, it is a point of significant linguistic debate among grammarians. The Real Academia Española (RAE) historically considered it a calque from English or Italian, preferring alternatives like "sobre la base de" or "a partir de." However, its usage is so widespread in modern Spanish that it has become a staple of formal communication.
- Functional Role
- It acts as a logical bridge between a conclusion and the evidence supporting it.
- Syntactic Position
- Usually precedes a noun phrase that serves as the evidence or criteria.
- Semantic Weight
- It carries a sense of objectivity and structured reasoning.
"Tomamos la decisión en base a los resultados del último trimestre."
To understand this phrase, one must look at it as a tool for justification. When a speaker uses en base a, they are signaling that what follows is the justification for what preceded. It is common in scientific reports, legal rulings, and strategic planning. For instance, a doctor might prescribe a treatment en base a a patient's history. Here, the history is the 'base' or the foundation upon which the 'building' of the prescription is constructed.
"El presupuesto se calculó en base a las proyecciones de inflación."
"Fuimos seleccionados en base a nuestra experiencia previa."
- Common Usage
- Professional reports, academic papers, and news broadcasts.
- Register
- Formal to Semi-formal. Rarely used in casual street slang.
Using "en base a" correctly requires understanding its role as a logical link. It is almost always followed by a noun or a noun phrase. You cannot follow it directly with a verb in the infinitive; instead, you would use a nominalized action. For example, instead of saying "en base a comer," you would say "en base a los hábitos alimenticios."
- Step 1: Identify the Action. What is being done? (e.g., "The judge made a ruling").
- Step 2: Identify the Foundation. What is the reason or data? (e.g., "The evidence presented").
- Step 3: Connect them. "El juez dictó sentencia en base a las pruebas presentadas."
In business Spanish, this phrase is the 'glue' of presentations. When presenting a SWOT analysis, you might say, "Nuestra estrategia para el próximo año se ha diseñado en base a nuestras fortalezas actuales." This provides a clear, logical flow that listeners expect in a professional setting.
"Evaluaremos a los candidatos en base a sus habilidades técnicas y su capacidad de liderazgo."
It is also vital to distinguish it from "a base de." While they look similar, "a base de" often refers to the primary ingredient or a repetitive method. For example, "un pastel hecho a base de harina" (made of flour) vs. "un plan hecho en base a la demanda" (made based on demand). Mixing these up is a common error even for native speakers, but for a B1 learner, mastering the distinction marks a significant step toward fluency.
You will encounter "en base a" most frequently in environments where justification and data are paramount. It is the language of the 'expert.' If you are watching a news broadcast about the economy, the anchor might say, "El precio de la gasolina subirá en base a los nuevos impuestos." In this context, it provides a sense of inevitability and logical consequence.
In a more personal but still formal setting, such as a university interview or a job application, using this phrase can help you sound more organized. Instead of saying "Pienso esto porque..." (I think this because...), saying "He llegado a esta conclusión en base a mi investigación..." elevates your register significantly.
"El algoritmo recomienda contenido en base a tus preferencias de búsqueda."
The most significant 'mistake' regarding "en base a" is actually its existence in high-level formal writing. The RAE (Royal Spanish Academy) has long labeled it a solecismo (a grammatical error). According to strict traditional rules, you should use:
- Sobre la base de: The most correct and elegant alternative.
- A partir de: When indicating a starting point.
- Basándose en: A more dynamic, verbal approach.
- Según: A simpler, more direct alternative.
Another common mistake is confusing it with "a base de." As mentioned, "a base de" implies composition or repeated action. Saying "Corrí el maratón en base a esfuerzo" is slightly awkward; "a base de esfuerzo" (by means of/through effort) is much better. Conversely, "Decidí el viaje a base de las fotos" is wrong; it should be "en base a las fotos."
Incorrect: "Hicimos la sopa en base a verduras."
Correct: "Hicimos la sopa a base de verduras."
Finally, avoid overusing it. If every sentence in your presentation starts with "en base a," it becomes repetitive and sounds like 'corporate speak.' Vary your connectors to maintain the listener's interest.
To expand your vocabulary beyond "en base a", consider these synonyms and related phrases, each with its own nuance:
- Según
- The most versatile and common way to say "according to." It is less formal than "en base a."
- Conforme a
- Used when something follows a rule, law, or agreement. "Conforme a la ley."
- De acuerdo con
- Similar to "según," but implies a level of alignment or agreement with the source.
- Teniendo en cuenta
- Translates to "taking into account." It is more active and suggests a mental process of consideration.
When writing, choosing the right synonym can change the tone of your message. "En base a" sounds technical; "Teniendo en cuenta" sounds thoughtful; "Según" sounds objective and direct. For example, in a medical context, "Según los análisis" is standard, while "En base a los análisis" sounds like a formal diagnostic report.
"A juzgar por su reacción, no le gustó la noticia." (Judging by...)
How Formal Is It?
難易度
知っておくべき文法
Prepositional phrases
Nominalization
Logical connectors
Gerund vs Noun usage
Formal vs Informal registers
レベル別の例文
Decido mi ropa en base al tiempo.
I decide my clothes based on the weather.
Simple use of 'en base a' + noun.
Eliges el color en base a tu gusto.
You choose the color based on your taste.
Connecting a choice to a preference.
Compro comida en base a mi lista.
I buy food based on my list.
Foundation: the list.
Hago la tarea en base al libro.
I do the homework based on the book.
Source: the book.
El perro corre en base al ruido.
The dog runs based on the noise.
Cause and effect.
Viajo en base a mi dinero.
I travel based on my money.
Limitation: budget.
Cocinamos en base a la receta.
We cook based on the recipe.
Instructional basis.
Ella canta en base a la música.
She sings based on the music.
Rhythmic basis.
El plan cambió en base a la lluvia.
The plan changed based on the rain.
Reaction to external factors.
Respondí en base a lo que sabía.
I answered based on what I knew.
Basis: knowledge.
El precio sube en base a la demanda.
The price goes up based on demand.
Economic relationship.
Votamos en base a las promesas.
We vote based on the promises.
Decision criteria.
Te ayudo en base a mi tiempo libre.
I help you based on my free time.
Conditional basis.
El hotel se eligió en base a las fotos.
The hotel was chosen based on the photos.
Visual criteria.
Escribo el informe en base a las notas.
I write the report based on the notes.
Source material.
El niño juega en base a su imaginación.
The child plays based on his imagination.
Abstract basis.
El juez decidió en base a las pruebas.
The judge decided based on the evidence.
Formal judicial context.
Hicimos el presupuesto en base a estimaciones.
We made the budget based on estimates.
Professional planning.
La película se hizo en base a un libro real.
The movie was made based on a real book.
Creative adaptation.
Te doy un consejo en base a mi experiencia.
I give you advice based on my experience.
Personal authority.
El diagnóstico se dio en base a los síntomas.
The diagnosis was given based on the symptoms.
Medical reasoning.
Cambiamos de opinión en base a tus argumentos.
We changed our minds based on your arguments.
Logical persuasion.
El éxito se mide en base a los objetivos.
Success is measured based on the objectives.
Standardized measurement.
Construyeron la casa en base a planos antiguos.
They built the house based on old blueprints.
Physical construction basis.
La empresa se reestructuró en base a la nueva ley.
The company was restructured based on the new law.
Legal compliance.
El artículo fue escrito en base a fuentes anónimas.
The article was written based on anonymous sources.
Journalistic ethics.
Se calculó la trayectoria en base a la física.
The trajectory was calculated based on physics.
Scientific foundation.
Actuamos en base a un protocolo de emergencia.
We acted based on an emergency protocol.
Procedural basis.
El descuento se aplica en base al volumen de compra.
The discount is applied based on the purchase volume.
Commercial logic.
Interpretamos el poema en base al contexto histórico.
We interpreted the poem based on the historical context.
Literary analysis.
La beca se otorga en base al mérito académico.
The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit.
Criteria for selection.
El software se actualiza en base al feedback.
The software updates based on feedback.
Iterative process.
El fiscal argumentó en base a la jurisprudencia.
The prosecutor argued based on case law.
High-level legal terminology.
La teoría se sustenta en base a datos empíricos.
The theory is sustained based on empirical data.
Academic rigor.
Se tomaron medidas en base a la volatilidad del mercado.
Measures were taken based on market volatility.
Financial complexity.
El diseño se optimizó en base a la ergonomía.
The design was optimized based on ergonomics.
Technical specialization.
La crítica fue feroz en base a la falta de originalidad.
The criticism was fierce based on the lack of originality.
Subjective yet structured critique.
El gobierno actuó en base a la presión popular.
The government acted based on popular pressure.
Political dynamics.
Se definió la estrategia en base a un análisis DAFO.
The strategy was defined based on a SWOT analysis.
Strategic management.
El autor construye su narrativa en base a metáforas.
The author builds his narrative based on metaphors.
Stylistic analysis.
La resolución se emitió en base a los tratados internacionales.
The resolution was issued based on international treaties.
Diplomatic/Global context.
Se infiere la conclusión en base a premisas silogísticas.
The conclusion is inferred based on syllogistic premises.
Philosophical/Logical rigor.
La política monetaria se ajusta en base a la inflación subyacente.
Monetary policy is adjusted based on core inflation.
Macroeconomic precision.
El diagnóstico diferencial se hizo en base a la exclusión.
The differential diagnosis was made based on exclusion.
Specialized medical logic.
La hermenéutica del texto se realiza en base a la intertextualidad.
The hermeneutics of the text is performed based on intertextuality.
Advanced literary theory.
Se legitimó el poder en base a la soberanía nacional.
Power was legitimized based on national sovereignty.
Political science/History.
El algoritmo de IA se entrena en base a redes neuronales.
The AI algorithm is trained based on neural networks.
Cutting-edge technology.
La ética de la empresa se rige en base a la transparencia.
The company's ethics are governed based on transparency.
Corporate governance.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
よく混同される語
慣用句と表現
間違えやすい
Refers to components or repeated effort.
Considered more correct by RAE than 'en base a'.
Less formal and more direct.
文型パターン
語族
関連
使い方
Discouraged but widely accepted in professional settings.
'A base de' is for ingredients/repetition; 'En base a' is for logic.
- Using 'en base a' for physical ingredients.
- Following it with a verb (e.g., 'en base a comer').
- Overusing it in a single paragraph.
- Confusing it with 'en base de' (which is incorrect).
- Using it in very informal slang contexts where it sounds pretentious.
ヒント
Noun Focus
Always follow 'en base a' with a noun, never an infinitive verb.
Professionalism
Use it in emails to explain your reasoning clearly to colleagues.
Avoid Ingredients
Don't say 'sopa en base a tomate'; use 'a base de' for food.
Purist Choice
Try 'con base en' if you are writing for a very traditional audience.
News Watch
Watch financial news to hear this phrase used with market data.
Confidence
Using this phrase makes your arguments sound more grounded and less emotional.
Variety
Switch between 'en base a' and 'según' to keep your writing fluid.
The 'Why'
Think of it as the 'Why' connector for professional situations.
DELE Tip
In DELE B2/C1, using 'sobre la base de' is safer than 'en base a'.
Global Use
It is understood everywhere, from Argentina to Equatorial Guinea.
暗記しよう
語源
Spanish 'en' (in) + 'base' (foundation) + 'a' (to). Likely influenced by English 'on the basis of' or Italian 'in base a'.
文化的な背景
RAE influence is strong; teachers may correct it.
Very common in business and media without much stigma.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
会話のきっかけ
"¿En base a qué criterios elegiste este coche?"
"En base a tu experiencia, ¿cuál es el mejor restaurante?"
"¿Crees que las leyes se hacen en base a la justicia?"
"En base a lo que has visto, ¿quién ganará el partido?"
"¿Cómo planeas tu semana en base a tu trabajo?"
日記のテーマ
Escribe sobre una decisión importante que tomaste en base a un consejo.
Describe tu rutina diaria en base a tus prioridades.
¿Cómo ha cambiado tu vida en base a la tecnología?
Analiza un libro que leíste en base a sus personajes.
Escribe un plan de ahorro en base a tus ingresos.
よくある質問
10 問Es común pero la RAE prefiere 'sobre la base de' o 'con base en'.
Úsalo en contextos profesionales para justificar decisiones con datos.
'A base de' es para ingredientes, 'en base a' es para lógica.
Es mejor usar 'sobre la base de' para obtener una mejor nota.
Muchos lingüistas creen que sí, de 'on the basis of'.
Sí, es muy común en todo el mundo hispanohablante.
No, debe ir seguido de un sustantivo o frase nominal.
Es de registro medio-alto, ideal para el trabajo.
Usa sinónimos como 'según', 'conforme a' o 'atendiendo a'.
Sí, 'basado en' es el participio y 'en base a' es la locución.
自分をテスト 180 問
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
While 'en base a' is technically a solecism according to the RAE, it is the standard 'logic-connector' in the Spanish-speaking business world. Master it to sound authoritative, but use 'sobre la base de' in formal writing.
- Used to show the foundation of a decision or argument.
- Common in professional, legal, and academic Spanish.
- Often criticized by grammarians who prefer 'sobre la base de'.
- Essential for B1+ learners to sound professional and logical.
Noun Focus
Always follow 'en base a' with a noun, never an infinitive verb.
Professionalism
Use it in emails to explain your reasoning clearly to colleagues.
Avoid Ingredients
Don't say 'sopa en base a tomate'; use 'a base de' for food.
Purist Choice
Try 'con base en' if you are writing for a very traditional audience.
関連コンテンツ
businessの関連語
a cambio
B1引き換えに。 'ペンと引き換えに本をあげます。'
a cambio de
B1〜と引き換えに。交換や条件を表す際に使われます。
a cargo de
B1〜の担当で；〜を任されて。
a diario
B1「毎日」または「日常的に」という意味です。習慣や日課を説明するのに使われます。
a excepción de
B1〜を除いて；〜以外は。 '彼を除いて、全員が参加した。'
a fin de que
B1目的節を導入するために使われる接続詞で、「～するために」「～するように」を意味します。
a fondo
B1Thoroughly or in depth.
a la vez
B1スペイン語の「a la vez」は、2つ以上のことが同時に起こっている、つまり同時に起こっていることを意味します。並行するアクションを示すために使用されます。
a medida que
B1At the same rate or in the same way as.
a medio plazo
B1中期的に、適度な期間にわたって。
