根深蒂固
gēn shēn dì gù
Deeply rooted foundation
Describes something that has a very strong and stable foundation, making it extremely difficult to alter or remove. It is used for ideas, customs, habits, or problems that are deeply ingrained. The idiom emphasizes the enduring nature of the subject.
What does 根深蒂固 (gēn shēn dì gù) mean?
根深蒂固 (gēn shēn dì gù) means "deeply rooted foundation" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "deep roots, firm stem."
Character by character
- 根 gēn root
- 深 shēn deep
- 蒂 dì stem, calyx
- 固 gù firm, solid
When to use it
Commonly applies to abstract concepts such as beliefs, prejudices, traditions, or long-standing problems. It highlights the strong resistance to change due to deep establishment. The idiom can be used in both neutral and negative contexts, depending on whether the deeply rooted aspect is beneficial or problematic.
Example
这种传统的思想观念早已根深蒂固,很难改变。
Zhèzhǒng chuántǒng de sīxiǎngguānniàn zǎoyǐ gēn shēn dì gù, hěn nán gǎibiàn.
These traditional ways of thinking are deeply ingrained and very hard to change.
Pro tip: The idiom highlights the extreme difficulty of changing something due to its deep establishment, rather than merely stating its age or long existence.
Related idioms
丰富多彩 · Rich and varied content高高在上 · Lofty and arrogant detachment顾全大局 · Considering the overall situation
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