gēn: 根 - Root, Origin, Source, Foundation

Keywords: gēn, 根, Chinese root, Chinese origin, Chinese foundation, Chinese measure word, what does gen mean in Chinese, 根本 gēnběn, find the root cause, Chinese character for root

Summary: The Chinese character 根 (gēn) literally means the “root” of a plant, but its meaning extends far beyond gardening. It represents the core concept of a source, origin, or foundation for almost anything, from the root of a problem to the roots of a family tree. As a common measure word, 根 (gēn) is used to count long, thin objects like bananas or strands of hair. Understanding 根 (gēn) is fundamental to grasping how Chinese expresses concepts of origin, stability, and basic truth.

Pinyin (with tone marks): gēn

Part of Speech: Noun, Measure Word

HSK Level: HSK 3

Concise Definition: The root of a plant; the source, foundation, or origin of something; a measure word for long, thin objects.

In a Nutshell: Think of a massive tree. Its strength and life come from its roots hidden underground. The Chinese word 根 (gēn) captures this exact idea. It starts with the literal meaning of a plant's root but is used metaphorically for anything that serves as a base, origin, or fundamental part. It's the “root” of a problem, the “foundation” of your knowledge, and even the “root” of your family. It's a word that connects the physical world to abstract ideas of origin and stability.

Together, the “tree” radical and the “gèn” sound create 根 (gēn), a character that visually and audibly signifies the root of a tree.

In Chinese culture, the concept of 根 (gēn) is profoundly important, symbolizing stability, history, and identity. It goes much deeper than the English word “root.”

Family and Ancestry: The phrase 寻根 (xúngēn), “to seek one's roots,” is a powerful cultural imperative, especially for overseas Chinese. It reflects a deep-seated value of knowing one's lineage, ancestral village, and family history. This collective identity, tied to one's 根 (gēn), is a cornerstone of Chinese identity.

Stability and Foundation: The idiom 根深蒂固 (gēn shēn dì gù), meaning “deep-rooted and firmly established,” is used to describe everything from strong beliefs to unshakable traditions. This reflects the cultural belief that a solid foundation (根基 gēnjī) is essential for any success, whether in building a business, mastering a skill, or raising a family.

Western Comparison: An American might talk about “finding oneself” through individual exploration and self-discovery. The Chinese concept of 寻根 (xúngēn) is similar in its search for identity, but it is fundamentally more collective. It's about finding oneself by understanding one's connection to a larger group: the family, the clan, and the motherland. It's less about creating an identity and more about uncovering a pre-existing one.

根 (gēn) is an extremely versatile and common word used in many contexts.

根本 (gēnběn) - A high-frequency adverb meaning “at all” (in negatives) or “fundamentally”; can also be a noun for “foundation.”

根源 (gēnyuán) - A more formal noun for “root cause” or “source.”

根据 (gēnjù) - A preposition meaning “according to” or “on the basis of,” derived from the idea of a “base” or “foundation” for an argument.

根基 (gēnjī) - A noun for “foundation” or “base,” often used for buildings, skills, or businesses.

寻根 (xúngēn) - A verb phrase meaning “to seek one's roots” or “trace one's ancestry.”

根深蒂固 (gēn shēn dì gù) - A four-character idiom (chengyu) meaning “deep-rooted” or “ingrained.”

条 (tiáo) - A measure word often contrasted with 根, used for long, flexible objects like rivers and roads.

本 (běn) - Another character that can mean “root” or “origin,” as in 日本 (Rìběn) (Japan, “sun's origin”) and 本来 (běnlái) (originally).

草根 (cǎogēn) - “Grassroots,” a direct translation and concept used in both Chinese and English to refer to ordinary people or the common populace.