根深蒂固
根深蒂固 (gēn shēn dì gù) literally means “roots deep stem firm” and expresses “deeply entrenched and difficult to change”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: gen shen di gu, gen shen di gu,根深蒂固 meaning, 根深蒂固 in english
Deeply entrenched and difficult to change
Pronunciation: gēn shēn dì gù Literal meaning: Roots deep stem firm
Origin & Usage
This comes from the Laozi, on deep roots and a firm base as the way of long life — 深根固柢. A plant whose roots run deep (根深) and whose stem is firmly set (蒂固) is not easily pulled up. Applied to habits and institutions the image is neutral in the original and unflattering now: what is hard to uproot is usually hard to reform. Something entrenched, and normally with the implication that it ought not to be.
Examples
English: "The traditional beliefs remained entrenched in the community despite modernization"
Chinese: 尽管现代化，传统信仰在社区中仍根深蒂固
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
归根到底
guī gēn dào dǐ
Fundamentally or in the final analysis
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瓜熟蒂落
guā shú dì luò
Things happen when ready
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固若金汤
gù ruò jīn tāng
Impenetrable defenses
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落叶归根
luò yè guī gēn
Return to one's roots; go back home
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四海为家
sì hǎi wéi jiā
At home anywhere
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返老还童
fǎn lǎo huán tóng
Regain vitality
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后生可畏
hòu shēng kě wèi
Youthful potential
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如数家珍
rú shǔ jiā zhēn
Know something thoroughly
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 根深蒂固 mean in English?
根深蒂固 (gēn shēn dì gù) literally translates to “Roots deep stem firm” and is used to express “Deeply entrenched and difficult to change”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 根深蒂固 used?
Situation: The traditional beliefs remained entrenched in the community despite modernization
What is the pinyin for 根深蒂固?
The pinyin pronunciation for 根深蒂固 is “gēn shēn dì gù”.
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