foundation

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 基 is associated with a foundation or basis; its on-reading is き.
• Basic usage: 基準(きじゅん) means a criterion or standard, while 基づく(もとづく) means to be based on.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A criterion for judging and material used as a basis
  • When choosing a shop for its proximity to a station, distance is the 基準. It identifies what the judgment rests on.
  • 調査結果に基づいて means based on survey results. 基づく also identifies a story underlying a work, as in 古い伝説に基づく作品.