归根到底

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: guī gēn dào dǐ
• English Translation: In the final analysis, ultimately, when all is said and done
• Idiom Composition: 「归」（To return, to come back to）＋「根」（Root, foundation）＋「到」（To reach, to arrive at）＋「底」（Bottom, final point）
• Meaning: This idiom expresses reaching a final conclusion by returning to the essence or root of a matter. It is often used to point out the core of complex situations or problems.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「归根到底」 contains the following nuances:

• Return to the essence: Encourages focusing on the fundamental nature of things rather than superficial or trivial details.
• Emphasis on conclusion: Highlights the final conclusion reached after considering various factors and processes.
• Pointing out the core: Suggests that even seemingly complex problems or situations can be traced back to a single fundamental cause when examined closely.

3. Usage

「归根到底」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Analysis and consideration: Used when analyzing causes or reasons of matters and drawing a final conclusion.
  • Example:「这个问题，归根到底，还是因为我们准备不足。」
    （This problem, in the final analysis, is due to our insufficient preparation.）
• Expressing opinions: Used to emphasize one's opinion or assertion.
  • Example:「归根到底，我认为这个计划是不可行的。」
    （Ultimately, I believe this plan is not feasible.）
• Core of the problem: Used to point out the fundamental cause of complex problems.
  • Example:「公司经营不善，归根到底，是管理层的问题。」
    （The company's poor management, when all is said and done, is a problem with the management team.）

Additional Examples:

1. 无论怎么解释，归根到底，他还是不愿意接受这个事实。
   （No matter how it is explained, in the final analysis, he still refuses to accept this fact.）
2. 经过一番争论，归根到底，大家还是同意了这个方案。
   （After much debate, ultimately, everyone agreed on this plan.）
3. 双方争执不下，归根到底，还是利益分配不均的问题。
   （The dispute between both sides, when all is said and done, is still about unequal distribution of benefits.）
4. 这么多问题的出现，归根到底，还是制度上的缺陷造成的。
   （The emergence of so many problems, in the final analysis, is caused by systemic flaws.）
5. 说了这么多，归根到底，你还是想让我放弃，对吧？
   （After saying so much, ultimately, you want me to give up, right?）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Emphasis on fundamentals: Traditional Chinese thought tends to emphasize the 'root' or 'essence' of matters. The idiom '归根到底' reflects this cultural tendency.
• Relation to '本末転倒' (putting the cart before the horse): In Chinese, there is a clear distinction between 'root' (fundamental) and 'branch' (trivial details), with importance placed on the former. '归根到底' means returning to the root.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 归根结底 (guī gēn jié dǐ): To come down to the fundamental point; in the final analysis.
  • 归根结蒂 (guī gēn jié dì): To come down to the fundamental point; in the final analysis.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 半途而废 (bàn tú ér fèi): To give up halfway; to abandon something before completion.
  • 虎头蛇尾 (hǔ tóu shé wěi): A strong start but a weak finish; losing momentum towards the end.

6. Summary

'归根到底' is an expression that encourages returning to the essence or root of a matter and emphasizes the final conclusion. When using this idiom, it is important to recognize that it goes beyond simply meaning 'in the end'; it points to a deeper exploration of fundamental causes or reasons. Understanding the traditional Chinese emphasis on fundamentals will help deepen your comprehension of this idiom.