“根” (gēn)

Word: 根 (gēn)

1. As a noun (root, base, origin)

It means the root of a plant or the origin/foundation of something.

Examples:

• 这棵树的根很深。
  → The roots of this tree are very deep.

• 找出问题的根源。
  → Find the root cause of the problem.

2. As a preposition: “with”, “together with”

It means “with” or “together with someone”.

Structure:

跟 + [person] + [verb]

Examples:

• 我跟他一起去看电影。
  → I went to the movies with him.

• 她跟妈妈学做饭。
  → She learned cooking from her mom.

3. As a verb (less common)

Rarely used this way in modern Chinese, but historically can mean “to follow closely” or “to trace”.

4. In fixed expressions or idioms

• 根本 (gēnběn): fundamentally / at all
  Example:
  我根本不认识他。
  → I don’t know him at all.

• 扎根 (zhāgēn): to take root (figuratively or literally)
  Example:
  新文化在这座城市逐渐扎根。
  → The new culture gradually took root in this city.

• 一根头发 (yī gēn tóufa)
  → a strand of hair
  (“根” is also a measure word for long, thin objects)

Summary: