Meaning

    (not) at all; simply; fundamental; basic; root

Pronunciation

    Tone marks: ► gēn běn
    Tone numbers: gen1 ben3

Chinese Characters

    Traditional: 根本
    Simplified: 根本

    First Character: 根 (gēn) – radical (chem.); root; basis
    Second Character: 本 (běn) – roots or stems of plants; origin; source; this; the current; root; foundation; basis; (a measure word)

Examples of Gēn Běn

    ► Nǐ gēnběn jiùshì húshuō bā dào.
    你根本就是胡說八道｡
    你根本就是胡说八道｡
    You’re talking nonsense.

    ► Nǐ zhèyàng zuò gēnběn jiějué bùliǎo wèntí.
    你這樣做根本解決不了問題｡
    你这样做根本解决不了问题｡
    The way you are proceeding will not solve the problem.