追本溯源
追本溯源 (zhuī běn sù yuán) literally means “chase root trace source” and expresses “trace back to source”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: zhui ben su yuan, zhui ben su yuan,追本溯源 meaning, 追本溯源 in english
Trace back to source
Pronunciation: zhuī běn sù yuán
Literal meaning: Chase root trace source
Origin & Usage
Emerging from Song Dynasty (960-1279) scholarly methodology, this idiom combines the actions of chasing (追) to the root (本) and tracing (溯) to the source (源). It reflected the Neo-Confucian emphasis on understanding phenomena by examining their origins, influenced by Han Dynasty historiographical traditions of tracing historical causation. The water metaphor was particularly meaningful as scholars often compared knowledge to rivers flowing from distant sources. Modern usage spans academic research, problem-solving in business, and personal growth - emphasizing that understanding complex issues requires investigating their fundamental origins rather than just addressing surface manifestations.
Examples
English: "The researcher tracked the problem to its root cause"
Chinese: 研究人员追踪到问题的根源
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 追本溯源 mean in English?
追本溯源 (zhuī běn sù yuán) literally translates to “Chase root trace source” and is used to express “Trace back to source”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 追本溯源 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving trace back to source.
What is the pinyin for 追本溯源?
The pinyin pronunciation for 追本溯源 is “zhuī běn sù yuán”.