How to say "root" in Japanese

• 根ねJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe basic word for the root of a plant or tree, the part that grows under the ground. Use it in literal, botanical contexts such as pulling up a weed by the roots.
• 根本こんぽんJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounThe figurative root of something: the source or origin of a problem, trouble, or an idea. For 'the root of the problem', this is the usual choice.
  想像力そうぞうりょくは、すべての文明ぶんめいの根本こんぽんである。↗

  Imagination is the root of all civilization.
• 根源こんげんCommon
  nounAlso figurative, but with a deeper, more abstract feel: the root, source, or cause of things like evil, desire, or fear. Think of the ultimate origin from which something springs.
  金きんは諸悪しょあくの根源こんげん。↗

  Money is the root of all evil.
• 根っこねっこCommon
  nounCovers the same sense as 根 — the actual roots of a plant — with a softer, more familiar feel. Natural in everyday talk about weeds, flowers, or roots sticking out of the soil.
• 付け根つけねCommon
  nounNot a plant root: this is the point where something joins the body — the root of the hair, the base of the thigh or arm. Also covers the groin area.
  彼女かのじょは耳みみのつけ根ねまで赤あかくなった。↗

  She colored up to her temples.

Use 根 or 「根っこ」 for plant roots, 根本 or 根源 for the figurative root or source of problems, and 「付け根」 for the point where a body part or hair joins the body.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 根ねroot (of a plant)
• 根本こんぽんroot
• 根源こんげんroot
• 根っこねっこroot (of a plant)
• 付け根つけねroot
• 根底こんていroot
• 大本おおもとroot
• 根幹こんかんfoundation
• ルートroot
• 大根おおねroot
• 解かいsolution (of an equation, inequality, etc.)
• 根音こんおんroot (of a chord)
• 語根ごこんroot
• 根方ねかたroot
• 歯元はもとroot (of a tooth)
• 本源ほんげんorigin
• エールを送るエールをおくるto give a shout (of encouragement)
• 根元ねもとbase (of a plant, tree, pillar, etc.)
• 乗根じょうこん(nth) root
• 元もとbasis
• 原本げんぽんroot
• 管理者かんりしゃroot (user)
• 源みなもとsource
• 零点れいてんzero (of a function)
• 根こんroot
• 源頭げんとうcause