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
Pronunciation: gēn shēn dì gù Literal meaning: Roots deep stem firm
Origin & Usage
Ancient Chinese farming manuals first observed how plants with deep roots (根深) and firm stems (蒂固) could withstand both storms and drought. Han Dynasty scholars transformed this botanical observation into a metaphor for cultural resilience. The agricultural imagery perfectly captured how invisible foundations determine visible strength. Modern usage describes any practice or belief so thoroughly established that change becomes nearly impossible.
When to Use
Situation: The traditional beliefs remained entrenched in the community despite modernization
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
千里迢迢
qiān lǐ tiáo tiáo
Travel a great distance
Learn more →
民富国强
mín fù guó qiáng
Prosperous people and powerful nation
Learn more →
国泰民安
guó tài mín ān
National peace and public security
Learn more →
太平盛世
tài píng shèng shì
Golden age of peace and prosperity
Learn more →
四海升平
sì hǎi shēng píng
Peace everywhere; universal harmony
Learn more →
安土重迁
ān tǔ zhòng qiān
Prefer stability; reluctant to relocate
Learn more →
故土难离
gù tǔ nán lí
Hard to leave one's homeland
Learn more →
落叶归根
luò yè guī gēn
Return to one's roots; go back home
Learn more →
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 theLife 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”.