根深い

• Reading: ねぶかい
• Romaji: nebukai
• Kanji breakdown: 根 (kon/ne) — root, origin; 深 (shin/fuka) — deep
• Pronunciation: /ne̞bɯkai/

Meaning

Deep-rooted; ingrained; deep-seated. Used for problems, prejudices, or conflicts that have become embedded over a long period.

An i-adjective describing issues or traits whose origins lie so deep they are difficult to address or eradicate. Unlike 根強い (which can be neutral or positive), 根深い almost always carries a negative connotation — the deep roots are an obstacle. Commonly used in social commentary and psychological contexts.

Examples

1. 両国間の根深い対立は簡単には解消されないだろう。 The deep-rooted conflict between the two countries will not be easily resolved.
2. 彼の根深いトラウマは長年の治療を経ても完全には癒えなかった。 His deep-seated trauma was never fully healed even after years of treatment.
3. 社会に根深く刻み込まれた偏見を取り除くのは容易ではない。 It is no easy task to eliminate prejudices that are deeply ingrained in society.

Usage Guide

Context: social issues, psychology, politics, history

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Compound of 根 (root) and 深い (deep). Like a plant whose roots extend far underground, root depth here symbolises how thoroughly a problem or attitude has become embedded in a person or society.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal