básico
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “básico” mean in English?
basic, staple — forming an essential foundation; indispensable or standard
basic, staple — forming an essential foundation; indispensable or standard (ingrediente básico, necesidad básica, derecho básico)
Example sentences
Tiene conocimientos básicos de informática.
She has basic computer knowledge.
El acceso al agua es una necesidad básica.
Access to water is a basic need.
El nivel básico del curso dura tres meses.
The basic level of the course lasts three months.
How to use it
'Básico/a' means basic — fundamental or elementary. Note the accent on the á. A near-perfect cognate. Used with ser. Key collocations: 'conocimientos básicos', 'necesidades básicas', 'nivel básico'. Distinguish from 'sencillo' (simple/straightforward).
Common mistake
Don't use 'básico' for 'simple' in the sense of easy — 'básico' means fundamental/foundational, 'sencillo' or 'fácil' cover easy/simple.