adverb / adjective / noun HSK 4
at all · simply · basically · fundamental · root
Meaning
根本 literally means 'root' (根) and 'origin' (本). As an adverb, it emphasizes negation or absoluteness, meaning 'not at all' or 'simply'. As an adjective or noun, it refers to something fundamental or the essential nature of something.
Usage
When used with negation (根本不/没), it strongly emphasizes 'not at all' or 'absolutely not'. Without negation, it means 'basically' or 'fundamentally'. In formal contexts, it can refer to the root cause or fundamental principle of something. Native speakers frequently use it to add emphasis in both casual and formal speech.
Examples
- 01我根本不知道这件事。.I didn't know about this at all.
- 02要从根本上解决这个问题。.We need to solve this problem fundamentally.
Characters
Common collocations
- 根本不not at all, absolutely not
- 根本没有didn't have at all
- 根本问题fundamental problem
- 从根本上fundamentally, from the root
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 根 (root) and 本 (origin/foundation), creating a compound that emphasizes the most basic or essential aspect of something.