diff --git a/lib/internal/errors.js b/lib/internal/errors.js
index 2e1174316d4710..07b7181a588f30 100644
--- a/lib/internal/errors.js
+++ b/lib/internal/errors.js
@@ -1459,8 +1459,8 @@ E('ERR_REQUIRE_ESM',
       return msg;
     }
     const path = require('path');
-    const basename = path.basename(filename) === path.basename(parentPath) ?
-      filename : path.basename(filename);
+    const basename = parentPath && path.basename(filename) ===
+      path.basename(parentPath) ? filename : path.basename(filename);
     if (hasEsmSyntax) {
       msg += `\nInstead change the require of ${basename} in ${parentPath} to` +
         ' a dynamic import() which is available in all CommonJS modules.';