gan1 bun2 soeng6根本上

Jyutpinggan1 bun2 soeng6

Yalegān bún seuhng

Definition

Fundamentally; basically; at its root.

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How it's used

Used to introduce a core truth or a basic reason for a situation, often when the speaker feels the listener is missing the bigger picture. It carries a slightly argumentative or assertive tone, implying that the conclusion is obvious once you look at the root cause. It is frequently paired with the particle 就 to emphasize the certainty of the statement.

Examples

gan1根bun2本soeng6上keoi5佢zau6就m4唔soeng2想heoi3去。

Fundamentally, he just doesn't want to go.

ni1呢go3個man6問tai4題gan1根bun2本soeng6上gaai2解kyut3決m4唔dou3到。

This problem cannot be solved fundamentally.

Common phrases

gan1根bun2本soeng6上zau6就hai6係

is fundamentally just

gan1根bun2本soeng6上m4唔tung4同

fundamentally different

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 基本上, which means basically or mostly. While 根本上 points to the root or foundation of an issue, 基本上 suggests a general overview or that something is true in most cases.