根基

• Pinyin: gēn jī
• Hanzi breakdown: 根 = 木 + 艮 (root of a tree); 基 = 其 + 土 (earth beneath)

Meaning

Foundation; base. The underlying support or groundwork upon which something is built.

Used for physical foundations of buildings and abstract foundations of institutions, relationships, or ideologies. Implies depth and solidity.

Examples

1. 这栋建筑的根基非常牢固。 This building has a very solid foundation.
2. 他们的友谊有着深厚的根基。 Their friendship has a deep foundation.
3. 改革必须建立在坚实的根基之上。 Reform must be built on a solid foundation.

Usage Guide

Context: construction, politics, relationships

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 打好根基才能走得远。(Laying a solid foundation is key to going far.)
• 这项政策缺乏群众根基。(This policy lacks a grassroots foundation.)

Don't Say

• 根基很浅 for brand-new projects (Use 起步较晚 or 基础薄弱 instead; 根基浅 implies weak legitimacy)

Origin & History

根 (root) + 基 (base/foundation)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal