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根 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
根gēnrootHSK 5, p, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #909, Medium
根gēnbasisHSK 5, p, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #909, Medium
根gēnclassifier for long slender objects, e.g. cigarettes, guitar stringsHSK 5, p, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #909, Medium
根gēn>条[tiáo]HSK 5, p, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #909, Medium
根gēnradical (chemistry)HSK 5, p, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #909, Medium
根gēnroot, basis, foundationHSK 5, p, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #909, Medium
gēn(gen1) T1
  1. 1root
  2. 2basis
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
根gēn(gen1)

The character 根 (gēn) primarily means 'root' and can refer to the physical roots of plants or metaphorically as the foundation or basis of something, such as an argument or belief. It is also used as a classifier for long, slender objects like cigarettes and guitar strings, highlighting its versatility in various contexts.

Strokes10Radical木Frequency#909DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of 'root' is essential, as it represents the underlying cause of illness rather than just treating symptoms. This cultural perspective emphasizes a holistic approach to health.

Memory Tip

Think of 根 (gēn) as the 'root' of a plant that goes down into the soil. Imagine the roots branching out, forming a solid foundation, which helps you remember its meaning. The character is made up of the radical for tree (木) and the component 'gen', which sounds like 'gain' – the more roots you have, the better the plant can 'gain' nutrients.

Meanings of 根

gēn(gen1)
1root
2basis
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 根

根Simplified
10Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#909Frequency Rank
条Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 根

JasonAmy

Podcast: 根

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 根

Quick Contrast

根 (gēn) vs 干 (gān): Use 根 when referring to roots or foundations, while 干 is used for 'stem' or 'to dry.'

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 根 (gēn) as the 'root' of a plant that goes down into the soil. Imagine the roots branching out, forming a solid foundation, which helps you remember its meaning. The character is made up of the radical for tree (木) and the component 'gen', which sounds like 'gain' – the more roots you have, the better the plant can 'gain' nutrients.

Usage Notes

Be careful to use 根 properly in both literal and metaphorical contexts. In informal speech, it's common to hear it used for physical roots, while in academic or formal discussions, it may refer to foundational concepts. Remember that the tone must be accurate; mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other homophones.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 根 connects with other vocabulary related to nature and foundational concepts. Students should focus on how it can be used both as a noun and a classifier, recognizing its dual role in sentences and practicing its pronunciation to avoid tone errors.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of 'root' is essential, as it represents the underlying cause of illness rather than just treating symptoms. This cultural perspective emphasizes a holistic approach to health.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 根 with similar-sounding words like 跟 (gēn, meaning 'to follow'). For example, saying '我根你去' (wǒ gēn nǐ qù) instead of '我跟你去' (wǒ gēn nǐ qù) changes the meaning entirely. Always ensure the correct word is used based on context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 根

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Etymology of 根

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 艮 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

tree

Semantic (meaning)木
+
Phonetic (sound)艮
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 根?

Decomposition of 根

IDS Structure⿰木艮
根Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
艮gen3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 根?

Write 根

根

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 根

根 functions as a preposition (often called a "coverb" in Chinese). It introduces a phrase that comes BEFORE the main verb (我在家吃饭, 给妈妈打电话), unlike English which puts prepositions after the verb. 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 4

Complete the Sentence

学校____据学生的中文水平分班。

The school assigns classes based on students' Chinese proficiency.

Common Confusions with 根

根vs跟
gēn

同音字，但含义不同，跟表示跟随或与某人一起。

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "root"?

or

Example Sentences for 根 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
阿根廷盛夏的酷热真让我大吃一惊。

ā gēn tíng shèng xià de kù rè zhēn ràng wǒ dà chī yī jīng。

I was simply staggered by the heat of the Argentinian high-summer.
2
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.
3
我指甲根部的表皮龟裂粗糙，指甲被咬得参差不齐。

wǒ zhǐ jiǎ gēn bù de biǎo pí guī liè cū cāo， ， zhǐ jiǎ bèi yǎo dé cān chà bù。

My cuticles were split and ragged, and my nails unevenly bitten.
4
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.
5
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.
6
“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."
7
通过官方渠道是压根儿搞不到票的.

tōng guò guān fāng qú dào shì yā gēn ér gǎo bù dào piào de.

You simply can't get a ticket through official channels.
8
禁毒斗争归根到底是钱的问题。

jīn dú dǒu zhēng guī gēn dào dǐ shì qián de wèn tí。

The war against drug peddling is all about cash.
9
然而，这种提议的根据当然并不仅仅是经济方面的。

rán ér， ， zhè zhǒng tí yì de gēn jù dāng rán bìng bù jǐn jǐn shì jīng jì fāng miàn。

However, the rationale for such in-itiatives is not, of course, solely economic.
10
电梯修理工可以转动这根杠杆直接操作机器。

diàn tī xiū lǐ gōng kě yǐ zhuǎn dòng zhè gēn gàng gān zhí jiē cāo zuò jī qì。

An elevator mechanic can work the machinery directly by turning this lever.

Cultural Notes for 根

💡Did you know?

In Chinese culture, roots symbolize stability and foundation. Just as roots nourish a tree and ground it, having strong roots in one's family and community is valued in Chinese society.

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of 'root' is essential, as it represents the underlying cause of illness rather than just treating symptoms. This cultural perspective emphasizes a holistic approach to health.

Word Family of 根

Words Containing This Character20
根本gēnběnbasic
根据gēnjùaccording to根據
根gēnroot
阿根廷Argentina
根源gēnyuánorigin
摩根Morgan (name)
草根grassroots
根据地base of operations根據地
培根bacon (loanword)
根治gēnzhìto effect a radical cure
里根Reagan (name)
根基gēnjīfoundation
扎根zhāgēnto take root
归根结底ultimately歸根結底
压根from the start壓根
根深蒂固gēnshēndìgùdeep-rooted (problem etc)
归根到底guīgēndàodǐafter all歸根到底
压根儿from the start壓根兒
根除to eradicate
摩根士丹利Morgan Stanley (financial services company)
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 根本 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 根

Yes, 根 (gēn) appears in several Chinese phrases, such as '根本' (gēnběn), meaning 'fundamentally' or 'at all'. Another example is '根深蒂固' (gēn shēn dì gù), which means 'deep-rooted' or 'entrenched'. These phrases often emphasize the foundational aspect of a concept.