HSK 7
归根到底
guī gēn dào dǐ
归根到底 - In the final analysis, after all
Explanation
'归根到底' (guīgēndàodǐ) is a four-character idiom meaning 'in the final analysis, ultimately, to trace back to the root', used to present the deepest essence or conclusion of a matter.
(topic), 归根到底 (guīgēndàodǐ) + essential conclusion; or place it at the head of the sentence 归根到底，... It can stand at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence (人生归根到底...).
when generalizing, summing up, or stating the core cause/essence; it carries a philosophical, argumentative flavor and appears often in written language and speeches.
mis-writing it as '归根结底' (also correct, a variant) or '归根到低' (wrong character 低/底); and avoid using it for trivial matters, since this phrase carries a broad, generalizing sense.
Examples
Life, in the final analysis, is a journey one takes alone.
In the final analysis, growing up is a kind of happiness.
Practice
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Learn “归根到底” effectively
The grammar point “归根到底” (归根到底 - In the final analysis, after all) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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