Lael logo

básico means basic — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: September 11, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

básico

adjective • /[BAH-see-koh]/

basic

Example:

Necesito conocimiento básico de español.

I need basic knowledge of Spanish.

🧠 What does básico mean?

Básico is a Spanish adjective that means 'basic' in English. It describes something fundamental, essential, or rudimentary. It can refer to simple skills, elementary knowledge, or something plain and uncomplicated. You'll often hear it used to describe essential items, basic needs, or foundational principles.

📚 Extra examples

  • Necesito aprender español básico para viajar.
    I need to learn basic Spanish for traveling.
  • Este es un curso básico de cocina.
    This is a basic cooking course.
  • Tengo un conocimiento básico de informática.
    I have a basic knowledge of computing.
  • Mis necesidades básicas están cubiertas.
    My basic needs are covered.
  • El diseño es muy básico.
    The design is very basic.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'básico' comes from the Greek word 'basis', meaning 'base' or 'foundation'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "básico"

Synonyms: fundamental, esencial, elemental, rudimentario, simple
Opposites: complejo, avanzado, sofisticado

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'basic' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'basic' is 'básico'.
How do you pronounce 'básico' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'BAH-see-koh'. The stress falls on the first syllable.
How do you use 'básico' in a sentence?
Here are a few examples: 'Necesito un coche básico' (I need a basic car), 'Tiene conocimientos básicos de inglés' (He/She has basic English skills), or 'Es básico entender esto' (It's basic to understand this).
What is the English translation of 'básico'?
The English translation of 'básico' is 'basic'.
Does 'básico' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'básico' changes its ending to agree with the noun it modifies. For example, 'coche básico' (masculine singular), 'casa básica' (feminine singular), 'coches básicos' (masculine plural), and 'casas básicas' (feminine plural).
Is 'básico' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'básico' is a very common word in everyday Spanish conversations.
Does 'básico' have slang or double meanings?
While 'básico' generally translates to 'basic', it can sometimes be used informally to mean 'simple' or even 'boring', similar to how it’s used in English slang sometimes. But this depends on context and tone of voice.
Is 'básico' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, 'básico' has essentially the same meaning and usage across both Spain and Latin America.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store