根 (gēn) - root & foundation

根Tone 1

gēn ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

根 · gēn

root;

foundation;

base;

origin;

source;

measure word for long slender objects

rootfoundationbase

Usage highlights

root systemfundamentalroot causefamily rootsgrassrootsroot vegetable

Synonyms

  • 本— origin; foundation
  • 源— source; origin
  • 基— base; foundation

Antonyms

  • 末— end; tip (opposite of root)
  • 梢— tip; end (of branch)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The tree has deep roots (树根).
  • This is the root cause of the problem (根本原因).
  • He traced his family roots (家族根源).
  • I need to get to the root of this issue (追根究底).

Collocations

  • root system(根系)
  • fundamental(根本)
  • root cause(根源)
  • family roots(家族根源)
  • grassroots(草根)
  • root vegetable(根菜)

Idioms

  • Trace to the very source(追根溯源)
  • Uproot and eradicate(斩草除根)
  • Deep-rooted and hard to remove(根深蒂固)
  • Cut off the source and destroy the root(断源绝根)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese philosophy, roots symbolize foundation, origin, and stability.
  • The concept of 'gen' (根) is important in family culture, representing ancestry and heritage.
  • In traditional medicine, strong roots are associated with vitality and health.

FAQ