根 元(ねもと)

ねもと

noun

root, base, origin

1. root, base, foot

The base or bottom part of something where it connects to the ground or its foundation. Commonly used for the base of trees, teeth, hair, and other things that grow from a fixed point.

木(き)の根元(ねもと)に花(はな)が咲(さ)いている。

Flowers are blooming at the base of the tree.

歯(は)の根元(ねもと)が痛(いた)い。

The root of my tooth hurts.

髪(かみ)の根元(ねもと)から白髪(しらが)が見(み)えてきた。

Gray hair has started to show from the roots.

Common collocations

木(き)の根元(ねもと): base of a tree
歯(は)の根元(ねもと): root of a tooth
髪(かみ)の根元(ねもと): root of the hair
柱(はしら)の根元(ねもと): base of a pillar

Similar words

根元(ねもと) refers to the physical base or root of a concrete object. 根本(こんぽん) is used for abstract concepts (fundamental cause, basic principle). 根底(こんてい) also refers to abstract foundations but emphasizes the deepest underlying layer.

Related Words

Compare: 根本(こんぽん)

Compare: 根底(こんてい) (abstract foundation)

Related: 根(ね)っこ (root (of a plant))

general

Added 2026.2.23 20:16 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

13000/13114_nemoto