Meaning and Usage
"根深蒂固" literally means 'roots deep and firmly fixed,' describing something that is deeply entrenched or firmly established, often referring to problems, beliefs, or phenomena that are difficult to change or eliminate.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used to describe social issues, traditional views, habits, or corruption that have existed for a long time and are resistant to change.
Collocations and Patterns
These collocations emphasize the difficulty of changing or removing the subject.
Nuance and Register
The phrase is formal and often used in written or formal spoken Chinese, such as news reports, academic discussions, or serious conversations. It conveys a strong sense of permanence and difficulty in overcoming the issue.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 根深蒂固 with simply "根深" or "根固"; the full four-character idiom is necessary to express the full meaning of something being deeply and firmly rooted.