HSK 7-9
归根到底
guī gēn dào dǐ
In the final analysis; at the root of it
Structure
Context/Problem + 归根到底 + Underlying Reason/Conclusion
How it works
This idiom functions as a conjunction or adverb to summarize the fundamental essence of a situation after considering all details. It is used to point out the most basic cause or the ultimate conclusion of a complex matter, similar to 'at the end of the day' or 'fundamentally speaking' in English.
Examples
这两个方案的区别，归根到底还是成本问题。
Zhè liǎng gè fāng'àn de qūbié, guī gēn dào dǐ háishì chéngběn wèntí.
The difference between these two plans, in the final analysis, is still a matter of cost.
教育的发展，归根到底要靠人才。
Jiàoyù de fǎzhǎn, guī gēn dào dǐ yào kào réncái.
The development of education, at its root, depends on talented people.
虽然表现形式多种多样，但归根到底这是一种社会现象。
Suīrán biǎoxiàn xíngshì duōzhǒng duōyàng, dàn guī gēn dào dǐ zhè shì yī zhǒng shèhuì xiànxiàng.
Although it manifests in many ways, fundamentally, this is a social phenomenon.
Common mistakes
Do not use this phrase for simple, direct summaries; it is reserved for highlighting the 'root cause' or 'essential truth' of a complex topic.
Tip
Think of it as looking at a tree: you see the leaves and branches first (the symptoms), but '归根' means you are finally looking at the 'roots' (the essence).
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 归根到底 in real Chinese
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