根深蒂固

• Pinyin: gēn shēn dì gù
• Hanzi breakdown: 根 = root; 深 = deep; 蒂 = stem/stalk; 固 = firm/solid

Meaning

Deep-rooted; ingrained. Describes beliefs, habits, or systems so firmly established they are very difficult to change.

A four-character idiom (成语) used to criticise entrenched prejudice, corruption, or traditional thinking that resists reform. Carries a slightly negative connotation.

Examples

1. 这种偏见在社会上根深蒂固。 This kind of prejudice is deeply ingrained in society.
2. 封建观念在某些地区依然根深蒂固。 Feudal ideas are still deeply rooted in some areas.
3. 要改变根深蒂固的习惯，需要长期努力。 Changing deeply ingrained habits takes long-term effort.

Usage Guide

Context: social critique, politics, academia

Tone: critical

Do Say

• 腐败问题根深蒂固，难以根治。(Corruption is deep-rooted and hard to eradicate.)
• 这种性别偏见根深蒂固，改变需要几代人的努力。(This gender bias is deeply entrenched; changing it requires generations of effort.)

Don't Say

• 他的技术根深蒂固 — use 扎实 or 深厚 for positive skill depth; 根深蒂固 has a critical undertone

Origin & History

根深 (roots are deep) + 蒂固 (stem is firm) — from a metaphor of a deeply rooted plant

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal