抜本

• Reading: ばっぽん
• Romaji: bappon
• Kanji breakdown: 抜 (batsu/nuku) — pull out, extract; 本 (hon/moto) — root, origin, basis
• Pronunciation: /bappoɴ/

Meaning

Fundamental; radical; thoroughgoing. Describes a solution or measure that addresses the root cause rather than treating superficial symptoms.

A na-adjective/noun primarily used in the compounds 抜本的な (fundamental, radical) or 抜本的改革 (fundamental reform). The idea is of pulling out the root (本 = root/origin) rather than merely trimming branches. Implies a comprehensive approach that leaves no underlying issue unaddressed.

Examples

1. 抜本的な制度改革なしに、この問題は解決できないと専門家は警告した。 Experts warned that this problem cannot be solved without fundamental institutional reform.
2. 表面的な対処法ではなく、抜本的な解決策を講じる必要がある。 Rather than superficial remedies, a thoroughgoing solution must be implemented.
3. 経営陣は抜本的な組織再編を行い、会社の立て直しを図った。 The management team carried out a radical organisational restructuring in a bid to turn the company around.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, business, law, social reform

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 抜 (batsu/nuku, to pull out/extract) and 本 (hon, root/origin/basis). The image of pulling out the root — addressing the very source of a problem — forms the core meaning.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated