根底

• Reading: こんてい
• Romaji: kontei
• Kanji breakdown: 根 (kon/ne) — root; 底 (tei/soko) — bottom, depth
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɲ.te.i/

Meaning

Basis; foundation; root; the deepest underlying layer of something.

A noun referring to the most fundamental layer upon which something rests. Stronger than 基礎 in its emphasis on depth — the very bottom root, not merely the surface foundation. Commonly used in academic, philosophical, and political writing. The phrase 根底から崩れる (collapse from the root) is a fixed expression.

Examples

1. その事件は社会への信頼の根底を揺るがすものだった。 That incident shook the very foundation of public trust in society.
2. 彼の思想の根底には、幼少期の体験がある。 At the root of his philosophy lie his childhood experiences.
3. 計画は発表の直前に根底から覆された。 The plan was overturned from its very foundation just before the announcement.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, politics, analysis, social issues

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 根 (kon/ne, root) and 底 (tei/soko, bottom/depth). The compound combines two 'bottom' metaphors — the root and the floor — to emphasise extreme depth of foundation.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated