podstawowy — meaning in English

English meaning

basic adjective Forming the essential foundation of something; fundamental.
elementary adj Simple and basic; easy to understand.
entry level adjective Suitable for someone with no previous experience, especially of a job at the lowest rung of a career.
essential adj Absolutely necessary; unable to be done without.
fundamental adj Forming the base or foundation of something; essential.
primary adj Most important; main.
principal adj Most important; main.
rudimentary adj Basic or undeveloped; existing only in a simple or early form.

podstawowy is used for these senses in English:

basic Necessary, essential for life or some process.
basic Elementary, simple, fundamental, merely functional.
elementary Relating to the basic, essential or fundamental part of something.
elementary Relating to an elementary school.
entry-level Simple enough to be appropriate to an inexperienced person, or to someone who does not need advanced features.
essential Being in the basic form; showing its essence.
fundamental Related to a foundation, base, or basis; serving as a foundation.
primary Main; principal; chief; placed ahead of others.

adjective Forming the essential foundation of something; fundamental.
adjective In chemistry, having a pH greater than 7; alkaline.
noun (informal, plural: basics) The essential items or facts needed for something.