Korean word

근본

Pronunciation

Romanizationkeunbon

Meaning

  • nounroot

Example

문제의 근본을 먼저 살펴보자.mun je ui keun bo neul meon jeo sal pyeo bo ja

Let's first look at the root of the problem.

Illustration for 근본 (root)

More examples

회사의 근본을 다지는 것이 필요하다.hoe sa ui keun bo neul ta ji neun keo si pi ryo ha da

The company's foundation needs to be strengthened.

Core concept

The fundamental source or basis from which a thing's character and direction arise.

Common phrases

  • 근본을 다지다keun bo neul ta ji da

    build a solid foundation

  • 문제의 근본mun je ui keun bon

    root of the problem

Similar words

원인wonin: A specific reason that directly produces an event, result, or state.
근원keunwon: The original source from which something begins or grows.
기초kicho: The essential skills and knowledge that support advanced study.
바탕patang: The underlying support or conditions that allow an ability or result to develop.

Definition in Korean

사물의 바탕이나 근원을 가리키는 말로서, 어떤 일의 근거나 기반을 뜻하고 사람의 계통이나 본성을 비유적으로 일컫을 때도 있다sa mu rui pa tang i na keu nwo neul ka ri ki neun mal lo seo eo tteon i rui keun geo na ki ba neul tteu ta go sa ra mui kye tong i na pon seong eul pi yu jeo geu ro il keo deul ttae do it tta

Word origin

As a Sino-Korean compound of root and base, the word treats an underlying source as the foundation of a thing or a person's nature.

Usage tips

  • For people, the word can refer to background or character and may sound judgmental in negative descriptions, so neutral wording helps keep the tone respectful.

Other meanings

  • foundationnoun
  • essencenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word