gei1 bun2 gung1基本功
Jyutpinggei1 bun2 gung1
Yalegēi bún gūng
Definition
The fundamentals; basic skills or training that must be mastered before learning more advanced techniques.
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the foundational skills required for any craft, sport, or performance art. It carries a sense of discipline and long term effort, often implying that skipping these steps leads to failure later on. It is frequently used in contexts like martial arts, dance, or professional skills where a solid base is non negotiable.
Examples
You haven't even mastered the basics, how can you learn advanced moves?
Related words
Common phrases
to master the fundamentals
to have a solid foundation of skills
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 基礎, which is a more abstract or academic term for a foundation or basis. 基本功 is almost always used in the context of physical or performative skills that require repetitive practice.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
