Dictionary🇨🇳 Chinese → 🇺🇸 English
根本
gēnběn
Description
"根本"这个词有两个意思：一个是指最重要、最基础的部分，另一个是当副词用，表示"完全"、"从来"，常常用在否定的句子里。
The word "根本" has two meanings: one refers to the most important, fundamental part, and the other, as an adverb, means "completely" or "never," often used in negative sentences.
Meanings
根本gēnběn
(adverb) at all; completely (often with negation)
我根本不知道这件事。
I have no idea about this matter.
根本gēnběn
foundation; basis; the most basic part
教育是国家的根本。
Education is the foundation of a country.
根本gēnběn
fundamental; basic (attributive)
这是一个根本问题。
This is a fundamental issue.
Related words
Notes
- Nuance
as an adverb it stresses total negation, stronger than 完全; usually before 不/没有.
- Etymology
根 (root) + 本 (base/origin), literally "root and base", i.e. the fundamental part.
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