根

• Reading: ね
• Romaji: ne
• Kanji breakdown: 根 (ne/kon) — root; composed of 木 (tree) + 艮 (endure, stay)
• Pronunciation: /ne/

Meaning

Root of a plant. The underground part that absorbs water and nutrients.

Also read as こん in compounds. Used figuratively to mean the root or base of something: 根気 (patience, perseverance), 根本 (fundamental). The phrase 根を張る means to put down roots, both literally and figuratively.

Examples

1. この木は根が深いので倒れにくいです。 This tree has deep roots, so it doesn't fall easily.
2. 植物の根に水をあげてください。 Please water the roots of the plant.
3. 大根は根の部分を食べる野菜です。 Daikon is a vegetable where you eat the root part.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, gardening, figurative

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 根 combines 木 (tree) and 艮 (to stay, endure), depicting the part of a tree that stays firmly in the ground.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal