Definition
治本 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to address the root cause' or 'to take fundamental measures' — the opposite of 治标 ('to treat symptoms'). The noun 本 ('root') can split off from 治 when you add a modifier or measure word: 治不了本 ('can't fix the root'), 治其本 ('address its root'). It's used in formal or analytical contexts like policy, medicine, or problem-solving.
v.o.
to address the root causeto take fundamental measures
Examples
- 治本，。Jiějué zhège wèntí yào zhì běn, bù néng zhǐ zhì biāo.To solve this problem, you must address the root cause, not just treat the symptoms.
- ，。Zhè zhǒng yào zhǐ néng zhì biāo, zhì bù liǎo běn.This medicine can only treat the symptoms; it can't cure the root cause.
- 治本。Huánjìng zhìlǐ bìxū cóng yuántóu zhì běn.Environmental management must address the root at the source.
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