维持基本生计
他靠打零工维持基本生计。
He makes a living by doing odd jobs.
To keep oneself alive by earning enough to cover essential living expenses such as food, shelter, and clothing.
在经济危机期间，许多人努力维持基本生计。
During the economic crisis, many people struggled to maintain their basic livelihood.
政府推出了扶贫计划，帮助贫困家庭维持基本生计。
The government launched poverty alleviation programs to help impoverished families maintain their basic livelihood.
Often used in social, economic, or policy contexts to describe survival-level subsistence.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage in Policy Contexts
When discussing social welfare or economic policies, '维持基本生计' is a neutral and formal way to describe the minimum living standards that policies aim to support.
Gold Rule
Avoid Literal Translation
Do not translate '维持基本生计' as 'maintain basic life calculation' or similar nonsensical phrases. The correct translation is 'maintain basic livelihood' or 'make ends meet.'
Word Origin
维持 (wéi chí): to maintain; 基本 (jī běn): basic; 生计 (shēng jì): livelihood. The phrase combines these three words to form a compound meaning 'to maintain basic livelihood.'
Usage Notes
Commonly used in formal writing, policy documents, or news reports to describe economic hardship or subsistence-level living conditions. Not typically used in casual conversation.