根も葉もない
ねもはもない
expression, i-adjective
groundless; completely unfounded; baseless
Conjugation
| Affirmative | Negative | |
|---|---|---|
| Present | 根も葉もない | 根も葉もなくない |
| Past | 根も葉もなかった | 根も葉もなくなかった |
| て form | 根も葉もなくて | 根も葉もなくなくて |
| Adverbial | 根も葉もなく | — |
| Conditional ば | 根も葉もなければ | 根も葉もなくなければ |
| Conditional たら | 根も葉もなかったら | 根も葉もなくなかったら |
1.
groundless; completely unfounded; baseless; without any basis
Describes a claim, rumor, or story that has no factual basis whatsoever. Literally means having neither roots nor leaves — nothing to support it.
それは根も葉もない噂だ。
That's a completely groundless rumor.
根も葉もないことを言わないでほしい。
I wish you wouldn't say things that have no basis in fact.
ネットに根も葉もない情報が広まって、本人はとても迷惑している。
Baseless information has spread online, and the person involved is very troubled by it.
Literally means "has neither roots nor leaves" — like a plant with no substance at all. The metaphor conveys that the claim in question has absolutely nothing supporting it.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 根も葉もない噂 (groundless rumor)
- 根も葉もない話 (baseless story)
- 根も葉もないことを言う (to say something groundless)
- 根も葉もない情報 (baseless information)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 根拠のない — without grounds; more formal and analytical
- 事実無根 — completely untrue, baseless; a formal four-character compound often used in official denials
- 的外れ — off the mark; implies inaccuracy rather than total fabrication
USAGE:
This is a vivid and commonly used expression for dismissing false claims. It is stronger than simply saying 嘘 (a lie) because it emphasizes the complete absence of any factual basis. Often used when someone is frustrated or indignant about a false rumor.