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根本 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
根本gēnběnfundamentalHSK 5, a, 15 strokes, rank #342, Hard
根本gēnběnbasicHSK 5, a, 15 strokes, rank #342, Hard
根本gēnběnrootHSK 5, a, 15 strokes, rank #342, Hard
根本gēnběnsimplyHSK 5, a, 15 strokes, rank #342, Hard
根本gēnběnabsolutely (not)HSK 5, a, 15 strokes, rank #342, Hard
根本gēnběn(not) at allHSK 5, a, 15 strokes, rank #342, Hard
gēnběn(gen1ben3)gen ben T1
  1. 1fundamental
  2. 2basic
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March 24, 2026

根本gēnběn(gen1ben3)

根本 (gēnběn) refers to something that is fundamental or basic, often used to emphasize the absolute nature of a statement or concept. In contexts of disagreement or negation, it can mean 'not at all' or 'simply not,' highlighting a complete rejection of an idea.

Strokes15Frequency#342DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 根本 is often linked to traditional philosophies that emphasize foundational principles, such as Confucianism, which values the root of moral behavior and societal harmony.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tree with deep roots (根) that provide stability and nourishment (本). Just as the roots are fundamental to the tree's growth, the word 根本 signifies something that is essential or foundational. Think of '根' as the 'root' and '本' as the 'base' to remember its meaning.

Meanings of 根本

gēnběn(gen1ben3)
1fundamental
2basic
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 根本

根本Simplified
15Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#342Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3YCTL4HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 根本

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Podcast: 根本

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AI Study Notes for 根本

Quick Contrast

完全 (wánquán) - use 根本 when emphasizing a fundamental rejection, while 完全 emphasizes totality or completeness without the same nuance of negation.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 根本 with similar terms like 完全 (wánquán), which means 'completely' but lacks the fundamental aspect. It's often used in informal contexts to emphasize negation, so avoid using it in overly formal settings. Be mindful of the tone; incorrect tones can change the meaning drastically.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 根本 connects with other foundational vocabulary words like 基本 (jīběn), which means 'basic.' Students should focus on using 根本 in various contexts to understand its nuances in negation and emphasis.

Common Mistakes

Learners may use 根本 incorrectly to mean 'totally' in a positive context, such as saying '我根本喜欢这个' (I simply like this) instead of '我完全喜欢这个' (I totally like this). Remember that 根本 typically conveys negation.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 根本

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Component Characters

根gēnroot
HSK 510 strokes木
View full entry
本běnroots or stems of plants
HSK 15 strokes木
View full entry

How to say fundamental in Chinese

“fundamental” in Chinese is根本gēnběn

根本 (gēnběn) refers to something that is fundamental or basic, often used to emphasize the absolute nature of a statement or concept. In contexts of disagreement or negation, it can mean 'not at all' or 'simply not,' highlighting a complete rejection of an idea.

When to use 根本

Common mistakes include confusing 根本 with similar terms like 完全 (wánquán), which means 'completely' but lacks the fundamental aspect. It's often used in informal contexts to emphasize negation, so avoid using it in overly formal settings. Be mindful of the tone; incorrect tones can change the meaning drastically.

根本 or something close to it

完全 (wánquán) - use 根本 when emphasizing a fundamental rejection, while 完全 emphasizes totality or completeness without the same nuance of negation.

What learners get wrong

Learners may use 根本 incorrectly to mean 'totally' in a positive context, such as saying '我根本喜欢这个' (I simply like this) instead of '我完全喜欢这个' (I totally like this). Remember that 根本 typically conveys negation.

Write 根本

根
本

Practice writing 根本 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 根本

根本 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Related grammar lessons6
Exercise 1 of 3

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

从他的考试成绩来看，他平时____没有认真学习。

Judging from his exam results, he clearly hasn't been studying seriously.

Example Sentences for 根本 (10)

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1
我知道那根本没什么大不了的，所以有些无动于衷。

wǒ zhī dào nà gēn běn méi shí mó dà bù le de， ， suǒ yǐ yǒu xiē wú dòng yú。

I know it's nothing serious and I feel quite unemotional about it.
2
这些钱根本不够用来开始全新的生活。

zhè xiē qián gēn běn bù gòu yòng lái kāi shǐ quán xīn de shēng huó。

It's just not enough money to start life over.
3
就好像是你的意见、你的好恶根本不重要似的。

jiù hǎo xiàng shì nǐ de yì jiàn、 、 nǐ de hǎo è gēn běn bù zhòng yào sì。

It's as if your opinions, your likes and dislikes just don't count.
4
“你根本就不明白！”——“噢，我想我明白，格雷丝。”

“ “ nǐ gēn běn jiù bù míng！”——“ bái， ！”——“ ō ， wǒ xiǎng， wǒ míng bái。”

"You don't understand!" — "Oh, I think I do, Grace."
5
你可能想这根本算不上是一份职业.

nǐ kě néng xiǎng zhè gēn běn suàn bù shàng shì yī fèn zhí yè.

It's not much of a career, you may think.
6
我们需要一场胜利，平局根本不行。

wǒ mén xū yào yī cháng shèng lì， ， píng jú gēn běn bù。

We need a win — a draw won't do at all.
7
我根本不知道他是什么意思。

wǒ gēn běn bù zhī dào tā shì shí mó yì sī。

I did not have the foggiest idea what he meant.
8
在仅剩的几个水坑里，河马根本无法没入水中。

zài jǐn shèng de jī gè shuǐ kēng lǐ， ， hé mǎ gēn běn wú fǎ méi rù shuǐ。

Hippos are unable to submerge in the few remaining water holes.
9
你根本不是你自己想象的那种人。

nǐ gēn běn bù shì nǐ zì jǐ xiǎng xiàng de nà zhǒng rén。

You're not half the man you think you are.
10
恕我直言，那根本就不重要。

shù wǒ zhí yán， ， nà gēn běn jiù bù zhòng。

That, if you'll pardon my saying so, is neither here nor there.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 根本

Yes, while it often emphasizes negation, it can also highlight fundamental truths or principles.

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