ルーツ
Meanings
1
Used for the origin or source of something, often in a cultural, historical, or personal sense. Common in phrases like ルーツを探る (to explore one's roots).
He visited his ancestors' hometown to explore his roots.
The roots of this music are in Africa.
Usage patterns
- 〈人・物〉のルーツを探るto explore the roots/origin of someone or something
He visited his ancestors' hometown to explore his family's roots.
- 〈場所〉にルーツがあるto have one's roots in a place
This dance has its roots in Africa.
- ルーツをたどるto trace back one's roots
She went on a trip to trace back her immigrant grandparents' roots.
Expressions
- 外国にルーツを持つhave foreign roots; have foreign ancestry