Definition
根本 (gēn běn) has two main uses: as an adverb before a negative, it means 'at all, simply' (e.g., 我根本不喜欢 'I simply don't like it') — this sense has no direct synonym. As an adjective/noun, it means 'fundamental, root' (根本原因 'root cause'), which is stronger and more abstract than 基本 'basic, elementary' and 基础 'foundation' (often concrete).
noun
(adverb, used before a negative) at allsimplyabsolutelyfoundationrootbasis
adjective
fundamentalbasicroot
Measure word · 个
Examples
- 根本。Wǒ gēn běn bù xǐhuan zhège diànyǐng.I simply don't like this movie.
- 根本。Xuéxí yǔyán de gēn běn fāngfǎ shì duō liànxí.The fundamental method of learning a language is to practice more.
- 根本。Gōngsī hé yuángōng zhījiān de xìnrèn shì hézuò de gēn běn.Trust between the company and employees is the foundation of cooperation.
Grammar
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