根深蒂固

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: gēn shēn dì gù
• English Translation: Deep-rooted (Ingrained)
• Idiom Composition: 「根」（Root (of a plant).）＋「深」（Deep.）＋「蒂」（The base or stem of a fruit where it attaches to the branch.）＋「固」（Firm, solid, or stable.）
• Meaning: Literally describing a plant with deep roots and a firm base that cannot be easily pulled out; figuratively, it refers to ideas, habits, or prejudices that are so firmly established over a long period that they are difficult to change or eliminate.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「根深蒂固」 contains the following nuances:

• Depth of Establishment: The phrase emphasizes that something is not just 'strong,' but has permeated so deeply over time that removal is extremely difficult.
• Abstract Application: Unlike physical structures, this idiom is almost exclusively applied to abstract concepts like 'thinking,' 'habits,' 'culture,' or 'prejudice.'
• Resistance to Change: It carries a strong nuance of 'immovability,' often suggesting a barrier to reform, persuasion, or modernization.

3. Usage

「根深蒂固」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Thoughts, Beliefs, and Prejudices: The most common usage, referring to mindsets or biases that have become part of a person's identity or a society's fabric.
  • Example:「这种重男轻女的思想在老一辈人心中依然根深蒂固。」
    （This idea of favoring boys over girls is still deep-seated in the minds of the older generation.）
• Habits and Vices: Used to describe personal habits or social customs that have been practiced for so long they are nearly impossible to correct.
  • Example:「想要改变他根深蒂固的吸烟习惯并非易事。」
    （It is by no means easy to change his ingrained smoking habit.）
• Culture and Tradition: A neutral usage describing traditions that are an inseparable part of a community's life.
  • Example:「茶文化在中国人的生活中根深蒂固。」
    （Tea culture is deeply rooted in the lives of Chinese people.）

Additional Examples:

1. 有些偏见一旦形成，就会变得根深蒂固，很难消除。
   （Once certain prejudices are formed, they become deep-rooted and very difficult to eliminate.）
2. 这种保守的观念在当地社会根深蒂固，阻碍了新的改革。
   （These conservative concepts are firmly established in the local society, hindering new reforms.）
3. 虽然我们试图推行新政策，但旧体制的影响依然根深蒂固。
   （Although we are trying to implement new policies, the influence of the old system remains deeply ingrained.）
4. 他对家乡的热爱是根深蒂固的，无论走到哪里都不会改变。
   （His love for his hometown is unshakeable; it will not change no matter where he goes.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The phrase originates from the classic philosophical texts *Laozi* (老子) and *Han Feizi* (韩非子). In its original context, it was used as a positive political metaphor for 'strengthening the foundation of the state' to ensure long-term stability.
• In modern Chinese, the usage has shifted. While it can be neutral, it is frequently used to criticize stubborn social ills or outdated ways of thinking that refuse to go away.
• Chinese culture frequently uses plant-based metaphors to describe human nature and society. For example, 根深蒂固 (gēn shēn dì gù) focuses on 'immovability,' while 落叶归根 (luò yè guī gēn) focuses on 'returning to one's origins.'

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 积重难返 (jī zhòng nán fǎn): Refers to bad habits or deep-seated problems that have persisted for so long they are difficult to reverse.
  • 坚不可摧 (jiān bù kě cuī): Indestructible; used to describe an incredibly firm will or defense.
  • 深入人心 (shēn rù rén xīn): To penetrate deeply into people's hearts or minds.link
  • 一成不变 (yī chéng bù biàn): To remain unchanged; to be set in one's ways.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 摇摇欲坠 (yáo yáo yù zhuì): Tottering or shaking; on the verge of collapse.link
  • 立足未稳 (lì zú wèi wěn): To have not yet gained a firm foothold; an unstable foundation.
  • 不堪一击 (bù kān yī jī): Unable to withstand a single blow, very fragile.link

6. Summary

The idiom 根深蒂固 (gēn shēn dì gù) uses the visual anchor of a plant's root system to describe abstract concepts like beliefs or social issues. While it can describe a solid foundation, it is most commonly used in modern English contexts to describe **deep-seated** prejudices or **ingrained** habits that resist reform.