落叶归根(落葉歸根)

Pronunciation: luò yè guī gēn Literal meaning: Falling leaves return to roots

Origin & Usage

This idiom describes falling (落) leaves (叶) returning (归) to their roots (根). Just as leaves fall and nourish the tree that produced them, people often return to their origins. The phrase captures the pull of one's homeland. Modern usage describes returning to one's birthplace or origins, especially after spending years away, recognizing the deep connection to where one began.

When to Use

Situation: After years abroad, he returned to his hometown to retire.

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