Abstract: The formulation of the basic categories of core socialist values has achieved periodic，temporal，and innovative theoretical progress but still needs to be further condensed and compacted. Interpretation and analysis of the basic categories and understanding of the correlations among them are the theoretical precondition and foundation for future work. Theoretical research work must solve the three relations that exist among the categories，namely，universal and particular，progressive and popular，and realistic and longterm natures. A condensed summary of the relations among the basic categories will produce a better method to formulate the core socialist values and to meet the needs of the general public.

Key words: core socialist values, universal and particular natures, progressive and popular natures, realistic and long-term natures