根も葉もない

• Reading: ねもはもない
• Romaji: nemo hamo nai
• Kanji breakdown: 根 (kon/ne) — root; 葉 (yō/ha) — leaf
• Pronunciation: /ne̞mo̞hamo̞nai/

Meaning

Groundless; baseless; unfounded. Describes a claim, rumour, or accusation that has absolutely no factual basis.

A set idiomatic expression functioning as an i-adjective phrase. The imagery comes from a plant without roots or leaves — something with no substance at all. Used almost exclusively in negative or dismissive contexts to deny or decry false claims. Formal and literary in tone.

Examples

1. その噂は根も葉もない話だと本人が公の場で否定した。 The person in question publicly denied the rumor, calling it completely groundless.
2. 根も葉もない憶測で人の名誉を傷つけるのは許されない。 It is unforgivable to damage someone's reputation with baseless speculation.
3. 彼女の評判を貶めようとする根も葉もない中傷が広まった。 Utterly unfounded slander intended to tarnish her reputation began to spread.

Usage Guide

Context: journalism, legal, social disputes, gossip denial

Tone: negative

Origin & History

An established idiom from classical Japanese, literally meaning 'having neither roots nor leaves.' A plant devoid of both its foundation and growth has no substance whatsoever — used to describe something entirely without basis or evidence.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal