căn bản
[kan˧˧ ʔɓaːn˧˩]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adjective) basic, fundamental or foundational
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(adverb) for the most part; basically; essentially
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(noun) the basics; the fundamentals; the essentials
Examples
mất căn bảnto be lacking in fundamentals
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Equivalents & related
Near equivalent
for the most part
Mainly or mostly, with some exceptions
English
Near equivalent
đại để
(adverb) for the most part; generally
Tiếng Việt · via for the most part
Lighter cards are two steps away in the meaning graph — equivalents of equivalents, reached via the entry shown on the card.
Common questions
What does “căn bản” mean?
(adjective) basic, fundamental or foundational
Is “căn bản” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.
What is the closest equivalent?
“for the most part” (English) — near equivalent.