根深蒂固

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: gēn shēn dì gù
• English Translation: deep-rooted, firmly established, entrenched, ingrained
• Idiom Composition: 「根」（root）＋「深」（deep）＋「蒂」（stem (of fruit)）＋「固」（firm, solid）
• Meaning: Originally describing plants with deep roots and firmly attached fruit stems, this idiom means having a solid foundation that cannot be easily moved or changed. It refers to thoughts, habits, or powers that are so firmly established that they are difficult to change or remove.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「根深蒂固」 contains the following nuances:

• Solid Foundation: Indicates that the foundation of something is very solid and stable.
• Immutability: Shows the quality of being difficult to change or alter because it has been formed over a long period of time.
• Resistance: Means having strong resistance to external influences or pressures.
• Fixed Ideas: Often refers to situations where thoughts or habits have become rigid and resistant to change.

3. Usage

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

• Thoughts and Beliefs: Refers to ways of thinking that have been believed for a long time, or beliefs deeply etched in the heart.
  • Example:「这种迷信思想在一些偏远地区仍然根深蒂固。」
    （This type of superstitious thinking still remains deeply rooted in some remote areas.）
• Customs and Traditions: Refers to customs that have continued for many years or traditions deeply penetrating society.
  • Example:「一些根深蒂固的陋习需要我们努力去改变。」
    （Some deeply entrenched bad habits need to be changed through our efforts.）
• Power and Systems: Can also refer to forces that have held power for a long time or systems that have been firmly established.
  • Example:「这个家族在当地的势力根深蒂固，很难撼动。」
    （This family's power in the local area is deeply entrenched and difficult to shake.）

Additional Examples:

1. 教育改革需要时间，因为旧的教育观念已经根深蒂固。
   （Educational reform takes time because old educational concepts are already deeply ingrained.）
2. 他对家乡的眷恋根深蒂固，即使在外地多年，也始终无法忘怀。
   （His attachment to his hometown is deeply rooted - even after years of living elsewhere, he can never forget it.）
3. 在公司内部，这种官僚作风已经根深蒂固，改革起来非常困难。
   （Within the company, this bureaucratic way of working has become deeply entrenched, making reform very difficult.）
4. 由于长期的错误宣传，这种偏见在人们心中根深蒂固。
   （Due to long-term misleading propaganda, this type of prejudice has become deeply rooted in people's minds.）
5. 要改变人们根深蒂固的观念，需要耐心和时间。
   （Changing people's deeply ingrained ideas requires patience and time.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Foundation emphasis: Traditional Chinese culture places great importance on foundations and fundamentals. 根深蒂固 (gēn shēn dì gù) reflects this value system, based on the belief that things can only last long with solid foundations.
• Negative connotations: This idiom is often used with negative implications, suggesting resistance to change or stubborn adherence to old ways.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 牢不可破 (láo bù kě pò): Extremely solid and unbreakable.
  • 坚不可摧 (jiān bù kě cuī): Extremely solid and indestructible.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 摇摇欲坠 (yáo yáo yù zhuì): Very unstable and about to collapse.
  • 不堪一击 (bù kān yì jī): Very fragile and collapses with one strike.

6. Summary

根深蒂固 (gēn shēn dì gù) is an idiom expressing solid foundations and immutability, particularly emphasizing that thoughts and habits cannot be easily changed. It reflects Chinese culture's emphasis on foundations and often carries negative connotations of resistance to change or fixed ideas. Understanding and appropriately using this idiom can greatly enrich Chinese language expression.