Definition
基石 has both a literal sense — a stone used as the foundation of a building — and a metaphorical sense referring to the fundamental basis of an abstract system, theory, or relationship. It's more specific and formal than 基础 (general 'foundation'), and often appears in political, economic, or academic contexts where a strong, unshakeable base is implied.
n.
foundation stone (literal, in construction)cornerstonefundamental basis (figurative, of a system, theory, relationship)
Examples
- 基石。Zhè zuò dàlóu de jī shí fēicháng jiāngù.The foundation stone of this building is very solid.
- 基石。Jiàoyù shì guójiā fāzhǎn de jī shí.Education is the cornerstone of a country's development.
- 基石。Xìnrèn shì liánghǎo hézuò de jī shí.Trust is the foundation of good cooperation.
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