Meaning
The kanji 根 means root, both literally and figuratively. In its most concrete sense, it refers to the roots of a plant or tree — the underground structures that anchor the organism and absorb water and nutrients. That same image extends into abstract territory: a root cause, a foundation, a basis, or the origin of something.
Etymologically, 根 is composed of two parts. The left side is 木 (tree, wood), connecting the kanji to the plant world. The right side is 艮, a component suggesting something stopped or fixed in place — something that resists being moved. Together they describe the part of a tree locked deep in the earth, the last thing to give way.
In practice, 根 spans a wide range of vocabulary. It can refer to the literal root of a tree (根), a rooftop (屋根), the basis of an argument (根拠), or a person's inborn character (根性). You'll encounter it in news articles, business meetings, and produce markets.
根 has 10 strokes and is taught in Grade 3 of Japanese elementary school. Its radical is 木 (tree).
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi reading of 根 is コン. This reading appears in Sino-Japanese compound words (熟語), typically in formal or abstract vocabulary.
- 根本 (konpon) — fundamental, root, basis. Used to describe the core of something, as in 問題の根本原因 (the root cause of a problem).
- 根拠 (konkyo) — grounds, basis, evidence. Common in logical arguments and academic writing.
- 根源 (kongen) — root, origin, ultimate source. More literary than 根本, often used in philosophical or historical contexts.
- 根絶 (konzetsu) — eradication, extermination, uprooting entirely. The image of pulling something out by its roots.
- 根性 (konjou) — guts, fighting spirit, inborn nature. Coaches, athletes, and teachers use this word freely — it captures pushing through hardship on sheer willpower.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi reading is ね. This reading appears when the kanji is used in its most concrete sense — referring to plant roots — and in many native Japanese compound words.
- 根 (ne) — root (of a plant or tree), used on its own.
- 屋根 (yane) — roof. Historically, a roof was thought of as the "root" of a house — the part that covers and protects.
- 大根 (daikon) — daikon radish. Literally "big root," a staple vegetable in Japanese cuisine.
- 根っこ (nekko) — root (casual/emphatic form), often used when talking about a tree stump or deeply embedded roots.
- 根付く (nezuku) — to take root, to become established. Used both for plants and for ideas or customs becoming ingrained in society.
- 根強い (nezuyoi) — deep-rooted, firmly established. Describes beliefs, habits, or problems that are difficult to remove.
Common Words & Compounds
Here are the key compounds, grouped by theme.
Foundation & Logic
- 根本 (konpon) — fundamental, basic, root. 根本的な解決策 means "a fundamental solution."
- 根拠 (konkyo) — basis, grounds. Frequently heard in debates: 根拠はありますか？ "What is your basis for that?"
- 根源 (kongen) — root, ultimate origin. Used in philosophical discussions.
- 根底 (kontei) — foundation, underlying base. 考え方の根底にある — "underlying the way of thinking."
Nature & Plants
- 根 (ne) — root of a plant.
- 大根 (daikon) — daikon radish (literally "big root").
- 根っこ (nekko) — root, stump (colloquial).
- 根付く (nezuku) — to take root, to settle in.
Character & Spirit
- 根性 (konjou) — guts, spirit, backbone. 根性がある means "to have guts."
- 根強い (nezuyoi) — deep-rooted, persistent. 根強い人気 — "enduring popularity."
- 意地根性 (ijikonjou) — stubbornness, obstinate spirit.
Process & Action
- 根絶 (konzetsu) — eradication, wiping out completely.
- 根回し (nemawashi) — laying the groundwork, prior consultation. A uniquely Japanese concept of quietly building consensus before a formal decision. Essential vocabulary for business Japanese.
- 屋根 (yane) — roof.
Example Sentences
この木の根は地面に深く張っている。
Kono ki no ne wa jimen ni fukaku hatte iru.
The roots of this tree run deep into the ground.
問題の根本を解決しなければならない。
Mondai no konpon wo kaiketsu shinakereba naranai.
We must solve the root cause of the problem.
彼の主張には根拠がない。
Kare no shuchō ni wa konkyo ga nai.
His argument has no basis.
悪い習慣は根強く残っている。
Warui shūkan wa nezuyoku nokotte iru.
Bad habits stubbornly persist.
その文化はこの地域に根付いている。
Sono bunka wa kono chiiki ni nezuite iru.
That culture has taken root in this region.
根回しをしてから会議に臨んだ。
Nemawashi wo shite kara kaigi ni nozonda.
I laid the groundwork before attending the meeting.
彼女は根性があって、どんな困難にも負けない。
Kanojo wa konjō ga atte, donna konnan ni mo makenai.
She has real guts and never gives in to any difficulty.
差別を根絶するために社会全体で取り組む必要がある。
Sabetsu wo konzetsu suru tame ni shakai zentai de torikumu hitsuyō ga aru.
The entire society needs to work together to eradicate discrimination.
台風で屋根の一部が飛んでしまった。
Taifū de yane no ichibu ga tonde shimatta.
Part of the roof blew off in the typhoon.
Memory Tip
Imagine a mighty oak tree standing in a storm. On the left side of the kanji you see 木 — the tree itself, tall and visible above ground. On the right side is 艮, which looks like something firmly stopping and refusing to move. Together, they show you the invisible anchor beneath the soil: the roots that hold the tree in place no matter how hard the wind blows. When you think of 根, picture those hidden roots — whether of a tree, a problem, or a deeply held belief — gripping the earth with quiet, stubborn strength. In Japanese culture, a person with 根性 (konjou) is exactly like those roots: unseen, unshowy, but impossible to uproot.