根本
Relating to the most basic or important part of something; fundamental or root.
Examples
3 of 5你根本就不明白我的意思。
You don't understand my meaning at all.
这是一次根本性的变革。
This is a fundamental change.
我们需要从根本上解决环境污染问题。
We need to solve the problem of environmental pollution from the root.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of '根' (root) and '本' (origin/basis) — the root of a tree.
Quick Quiz
教育不平等的_______原因是资源分配不均。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 根本
Examples
你根本就不明白我的意思。
informalYou don't understand my meaning at all.
这是一次根本性的变革。
formalThis is a fundamental change.
我们需要从根本上解决环境污染问题。
academicWe need to solve the problem of environmental pollution from the root.
这两个理论有根本的区别。
businessThere is a fundamental difference between these two theories.
虽然累，但根本不影响我的心情。
everydayAlthough I'm tired, it doesn't affect my mood at all.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
从根本上说
fundamentally speaking
Often Confused With
'基本' (basic) means the simplest or starting point, while '根本' (fundamental/root) emphasizes the absolute core or origin that determines everything else.
Usage Notes
In academic writing, use it as an adjective to describe 'root causes' or 'fundamental differences'. In speech, it is often an adverb meaning 'not at all'.
Common Mistakes
Misusing '根本' as a noun for 'foundation' where '基础' is better.
Memory Tip
Think of '根' (root) and '本' (origin/basis) — the root of a tree.
Word Origin
From 'gēn' (root) and 'běn' (trunk/source).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
教育不平等的_______原因是资源分配不均。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 根本
Related Vocabulary
More general words
整理
B1To put things in order, to arrange systematically, or to tidy up information or physical objects.
机会
B1A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something; a favorable time or occasion.
关键
B1Crucial, key, or extremely important. It refers to the most significant part of a problem or situation.
主要
B1Of most importance; principal or main. It identifies the primary part of a set of things, ideas, or reasons.
劣势
B1A condition or situation that puts one in an unfavorable or inferior position; a disadvantage. The direct opposite of 优势.
变化
B1The act or instance of making or becoming different. Highly important for IELTS Writing Task 1 (describing graphs) and Task 2 (social changes).
尤其
B1Used to single out one person, thing, or situation as being more important or notable than others. It is similar to 'especially' or 'particularly'.
甚至
B1Used to emphasize something surprising or extreme. It marks a higher degree of a quality or situation, often translated as 'even' or 'so much so that'.
独立
B1Free from outside control; not depending on another's authority. Also describes the ability to think or act for oneself.
获得
B1To come into possession of; to get or acquire something, often through effort or as a result of a process.
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