根幹
Meanings
foundation; basis; core; fundamentals
Usually abstract and somewhat formal, referring to the essential basis or central structure that supports a system, idea, organization, right, or policy.
This is a problem that concerns the foundation of the system.
That remark shook the foundations of democracy.
root and trunk
Literal use for the roots and trunk of a tree or plant; much less common than the abstract sense and most likely in botanical, forestry, or descriptive contexts.
When they examined the fallen tree's roots and trunk, the inside had rotted.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉の根幹をなすto form the very foundation of〈事〉
Education forms the very foundation of a country's development.
- 〈事〉の根幹に関わるto concern the core of〈事〉
This issue concerns the very core of how the company is run.
- 根幹を揺るがすto shake the foundations (of something)
The incident shook the very foundations of democracy.
- 〈事〉の根幹となるto become the foundation of〈事〉
This technology is likely to become the foundation of the new industry.