How to Write 根 (gēn) — Meaning “Root; Base; Measure word for long thin objects”

Imagine a tree (木) with a long, twisting root that looks like the letter 'L' stretching down — the right side 艮 resembles a root with a horizontal line for the ground. Visualize a single long root holding the tree firmly, which also reminds you 根 can be a measure word for long thin objects like ropes.

Write the left radical 木 with a short diagonal stroke instead of a horizontal one to make room. The right part 艮 starts with a horizontal stroke, then a vertical, and ends with a downward hook — careful not to make the hook too big. Common mistake is making the left side too wide, so keep 木 narrow and the right side balanced.

根 (root) uses 木 + 艮 and refers to the base of a tree or the foundation of things. 杪 (miǎo) uses 木 + 少 and means the tip or treetop, the opposite end. 杭 (háng) uses 木 + 亢 and is a place name (Hangzhou) or a boat, unrelated to tree parts — so focus on the right-side component to tell them apart.

根 is very common in everyday language, both literally (树根, tree root) and figuratively (根本, fundamental). It also serves as a measure word for long, thin objects like ropes and sticks — for example, 一根绳子 (yì gēn shéng zi) means 'a rope.' Culturally, 根 symbolizes one's origin or ancestry, as in the idea of 'having roots.'

Common words containing 根 include: 根本 (gēn běn) — Fundamental; At all; Root; 树根 (shù gēn) — Tree root; 一根绳子 (yī gēn shéng zi) — a rope; a piece of string.