Korean Dictionary

How to say "Basic Research" in Korean

Basic Research” in Korean is 기초 연구 (pronounced "Gicho Yeongu").

기초 연구

Gicho Yeongu

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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

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