Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'to get to the bottom of things' — to investigate thoroughly and ask persistent questions until you uncover all the details. The literal image is 'digging up roots and asking about the bottom'. It often carries a slightly negative connotation when used about someone who pries too much into personal matters, but it can also be neutral or positive in contexts of serious research or troubleshooting.
f.e.
to get to the bottom of thingsto investigate thoroughlyto be inquisitive about details
Examples
- 刨根问底，。Tā duì zhè jiàn shì zǒng shì xǐhuan páo gēn wèn dǐ, ràng rén yǒudiǎn fán.He always likes to get to the bottom of this matter — it's a bit annoying.
- 刨根问底。Zuò kēyán jiù yào yǒu páo gēn wèn dǐ de jīngshén.Doing scientific research requires a spirit of getting to the bottom of things.
- 刨根问底，。Bié páo gēn wèn dǐ le, zhè jiàn shì dào cǐ wéi zhǐ ba.Stop digging into it — let's stop here with this matter.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.