归根结底
In the final analysis
Littéralement: Return to the root and bind the bottom.
Use it to strip away distractions and reveal the single most important truth of any situation.
En 15 secondes
- Used to identify the fundamental cause of a situation.
- Equivalent to 'at the end of the day' in English.
- Perfect for summarizing complex arguments or deep realizations.
Signification
Think of this as peeling an onion until you reach the very center. It means 'at the end of the day' or 'when you strip everything else away' to find the real root of a situation.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing a failed relationship
我们分手，归根结底是因为性格不合。
Our breakup, in the final analysis, was because our personalities didn't match.
In a business strategy meeting
归根结底，我们需要更多的用户反馈。
Ultimately, what we need is more user feedback.
Complaining about being tired
我这么累，归根结底是昨天睡得太晚了。
I'm this tired because, at the end of the day, I went to bed too late.
Contexte culturel
This expression reflects the traditional Chinese philosophical emphasis on 'roots' as the source of all reality. It implies that understanding the origin of a problem is the only way to truly solve it. It became especially popular in modern political and analytical discourse to simplify complex social issues.
The 'Pause' for Effect
When speaking, add a tiny pause after saying `归根结底`. It builds anticipation for your 'ultimate' truth.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase three times in one conversation, you'll sound like you're trying too hard to be deep.
En 15 secondes
- Used to identify the fundamental cause of a situation.
- Equivalent to 'at the end of the day' in English.
- Perfect for summarizing complex arguments or deep realizations.
What It Means
Imagine you are arguing about why a project failed. One person blames the weather. Another blames the software. You step in and say 归根结底, it was a lack of planning. You are cutting through the noise. You are finding the fundamental truth. It is about tracing a result back to its origin. It feels decisive and insightful.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the start of a concluding sentence. It functions like a bridge. You spend time explaining different factors first. Then, you use this phrase to deliver your final verdict. It is like the 'mic drop' of logical reasoning. Use it when you want to sound like you have thought deeply. It works best when summarizing a complex situation.
When To Use It
Use it during a serious talk with a friend. It is great for business meetings when discussing strategy. You can use it when texting about why you are tired. It is perfect for debates or essays. If you are analyzing a movie plot, this is your best friend. It shows you see the big picture. It makes your arguments feel more grounded.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for trivial, one-step decisions. If someone asks if you want tea, do not say 归根结底, I want green tea. That sounds way too dramatic. Avoid it in very casual, fast-paced banter. It requires a bit of 'weight' to feel natural. If there is no complexity to strip away, do not use it. It can make you sound a bit like a philosophy professor at a party.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture places huge importance on 'roots' (根). If the root is healthy, the tree thrives. This phrase reflects that philosophical mindset. It suggests that every problem has a single, deep-seated cause. It is not just about the 'end' of time. It is about the 'bottom' of the logic. It has been used for centuries in literature and formal speech.
Common Variations
A very common, slightly more casual version is 说到底. It literally means 'speaking to the bottom.' Another one is 终究, which feels more poetic. If you want to sound very formal, you might use 从根本上说. However, 归根结底 is the gold standard for balance. It is sophisticated but still very usable in daily life.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is highly versatile, fitting both professional and serious personal contexts. Just be careful not to use it for trivial matters, as it carries a weight of 'deep analysis' that can feel misplaced in light conversation.
The 'Pause' for Effect
When speaking, add a tiny pause after saying `归根结底`. It builds anticipation for your 'ultimate' truth.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase three times in one conversation, you'll sound like you're trying too hard to be deep.
The Root Secret
In China, calling something a 'root' issue is a sign of high intelligence. It shows you aren't distracted by surface-level drama.
Exemples
6我们分手，归根结底是因为性格不合。
Our breakup, in the final analysis, was because our personalities didn't match.
Here it simplifies a complex emotional situation into one core reason.
归根结底，我们需要更多的用户反馈。
Ultimately, what we need is more user feedback.
Used to pivot the team's focus back to the main priority.
我这么累，归根结底是昨天睡得太晚了。
I'm this tired because, at the end of the day, I went to bed too late.
A relatable, everyday use of the phrase for self-reflection.
这部电影归根结底讲的是勇气。
This movie, in the final analysis, is about courage.
Good for summarizing the theme or 'moral' of a story.
我迟到归根结底是因为我的床太舒服了。
My lateness, in the final analysis, is because my bed is too comfortable.
Using a formal phrase for a silly reason creates a funny contrast.
归根结底，教育是改变命运的关键。
Ultimately, education is the key to changing one's fate.
Very standard use in a formal or persuasive context.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to summarize the core reason for the team's success.
这次成功的关键，___，是因为大家的团队协作。
The sentence is looking for a summary of the 'key' to success, making this the perfect fit.
Complete the sentence to explain why you are learning Chinese.
我学习中文，___，是因为我热爱中国文化。
This phrase introduces the fundamental motivation behind the action.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality and Context Spectrum
Talking to siblings about chores.
Too informal for this phrase.
Explaining your life choices to a friend.
归根结底, 我想快乐。
Writing a news article or business report.
归根结底, 市场在变化。
Academic papers or political speeches.
归根结底, 这是经济问题。
Common Situations for 归根结底
Debating a Point
Winning an argument with logic.
Self-Reflection
Realizing why you are unhappy.
Business Strategy
Finding the core problem in a project.
Analyzing Art
Explaining the theme of a book.
Giving Advice
Telling a friend the truth.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! You can use it when discussing something meaningful with a friend, like 归根结底，我还是喜欢他. It adds a nice touch of sincerity.
Usually, no. It almost always comes at the beginning of the clause it is summarizing, such as 归根结底，这是钱的问题.
说到底 is slightly more colloquial and 'spoken.' 归根结底 sounds a bit more educated and polished, but they are often interchangeable.
No, it describes the nature of a situation or the reason for something, not a person's character directly.
It is neutral. You can use it for something great (归根结底，这是个好消息) or something bad (归根结底，我们失败了).
It is jié (second tone). Make sure not to confuse it with jiě (to explain), though they are related in meaning!
Yes, it is very common in editorials, business reports, and academic essays to summarize a main point.
No. Don't say 归根结底，一加一等于二. It is for complex situations that require analysis.
In this context, 结 means to tie up or reach a conclusion, like tying the end of a rope.
You could use 总之 (in short), but it lacks the 'deep root' nuance that 归根结底 provides.
Expressions liées
说到底 (Shuō dào dǐ) - At the end of the day
总而言之 (Zǒng ér yán zhī) - In short / To sum up
终究 (Zhōng jiū) - Eventually / After all
从根本上说 (Cóng gēnběn shàng shuō) - Fundamentally speaking
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