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.
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.