Korean Dictionary
How to say "Basic Research" in Korean
“Basic Research” in Korean is 기초 연구 (pronounced "Gicho Yeongu").
기초 연구
Gicho Yeongu
Usage & Context
Research aimed at understanding fundamental principles. Basic research is conducted in Korean universities.
Example Sentence
기초 연구는 응용 연구의 토대이다.
Basic research is the foundation of applied research.
How to use 기초 연구 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Basic Research” is 기초 연구, romanized as Gicho Yeongu.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 기초 연구.
Pronunciation Guide
For 기초 (Gicho), "Gi" sounds like "gee" in "geese". "Cho" sounds like "cho" in "chow" but with a softer 'ch' and a short 'o' sound. For 연구 (Yeongu), "Yeong" like "young", "u" like "oo" in "moon". The pronunciation is straightforward, with a slight stress on the first syllable of each word.
More Example Sentences
Explaining the purpose of basic research.
기초 연구는 당장의 상업적 이익보다는 장기적인 지식 확장을 목표로 합니다.
Basic research aims for long-term knowledge expansion rather than immediate commercial profit.
Discussing government policy on R&D.
정부는 기초 연구에 대한 투자를 확대하여 과학 기술 발전을 도모하고 있습니다.
The government is promoting scientific and technological development by expanding investment in basic research.
Discussing challenges in scientific funding.
많은 과학자들이 기초 연구의 중요성을 강조하지만, 자금 확보는 쉽지 않습니다.
Many scientists emphasize the importance of basic research, but securing funding is not easy.
Cultural Context
In Korea, there's a constant debate about the balance between "기초 연구" and "응용 연구" (applied research). While "응용 연구" often receives more immediate attention due to its potential for commercialization and tangible economic impact, the importance of "기초 연구" as the bedrock for future innovation is widely acknowledged. Government funding bodies often have separate programs for each, reflecting this distinction and strategic allocation of resources.
Editorial note
We review entries like 기초 연구 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
기초 연구 지원
Support for basic research
기초 과학 연구
Basic science research
기초 연구 투자
Investment in basic research
Related Expressions
순수 과학
Sunsu Gwahak
Pure science
원천 기술
Woncheon Giseul
Original/core technology
응용 연구
Eungyong Yeongu
Applied research
탐색 연구
Tamsek Yeongu
Exploratory research
More Science & Research Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Basic Research and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.