Japanese Conversation · Level 8
90 words
Japanese word
根
Pronunciation
Romajine
Meaning
- nounroot
Example
植物の根は土の中にあります。shoku butsu no ne wa tsuchi no naka ni a ri ma su
The plant's roots are in the soil.
More examples
この木の根は土の中です。ko no ki no ne wa tsuchi no naka de su
This tree's roots are in the soil.
この木は地中に根を広く伸ばします。ko no ki wa chi chū ni ne o hiro ku no ba shi ma su
This tree spreads its roots widely underground.
Core concept
Refers to the part of a plant that grows underground, anchors it in the soil, and takes in water and nutrients.
Common phrases
根を張るne o ha ru
put down roots
根を下ろすne o o ro su
take root
根を抜くne o nu ku
pull out the roots
Similar words
根っこnekko: An informal word for the part of a plant that grows underground and takes in water and nutrients.
Definition in Japanese
植物を土中に固定し、水分や養分を取り入れる部分。shoku butsu o do chū ni ko tei shi sui bun ya yō bun o to ri i re ru bu bun
Word origin
The native Japanese noun 根 (ne, "root") has been used since early Japanese for a plant's base, so its modern meaning remains close to its original concrete sense.
Usage tips
- In everyday Japanese, 根 (ne) can be the topic of a sentence with は (wa), allowing speakers to explain what a plant's roots do or where they are.