基业 (jī yè) literally combines 基 (jī), meaning 'foundation' or 'base', and 业 (yè), meaning 'enterprise', 'undertaking', or 'legacy'. Together, it refers to a foundational, enduring enterprise—often implying something built with great effort and intended to last across generations. It carries strong connotations of heritage, stability, and long-term significance, frequently used in historical, political, or business contexts to describe dynasties, family businesses, or institutional foundations.

The term is formal and somewhat literary; it rarely appears in casual speech. You’ll commonly see it in phrases like ‘开创基业’ (to lay the foundation of an enterprise) or ‘继承祖辈基业’ (to inherit one’s ancestors’ legacy). While it can refer to physical assets, its emphasis is on continuity, moral weight, and intergenerational responsibility—not just material wealth.