root, basis, source

About this kanji

The kanji 「根」 means "root" or "basis" and is used both as a noun and in various compounds. You can use it to describe the physical roots of a plant, but it also applies to more abstract ideas, like the fundamental cause of something. Some common compounds include 根本 (こんぽん), which means "origin" or "foundation"; 根気 (こんき), meaning "perseverance"; and 根性 (こんじょう), which refers to "guts" or "character." This kanji emphasizes the idea of what supports or underlies things, whether literally or figuratively. When using 「根」, keep in mind its connections to both tangible and intangible concepts.

Built from

Example sentences

• 木の根は地中に広がっている。

  The tree's roots spread underground.

Meanings across languages

English

root, basis, source

Tiếng Việt

rễ, gốc, nền tảng

日本語

根, 根元, 根底

한국어

뿌리, 기초, 출처

中文

根, 基础, 来源

id

akar, dasar, sumber

th

ราก, พื้นฐาน, แหล่ง

es

raíz, base, fuente

fr

racine, base, source

de

Wurzel, Basis, Quelle

pt

raiz, base, fonte

Common compounds

• 根本こんぽんorigin, foundation, basis
• 根気こんきperseverance, patience
• 根性こんじょうguts, spirit, determination