归根结底 guīgēn-jiédǐ

归根结底（guīgēn-jiédǐ）means “when all is said and done, at bottom (getting to the root of it)”. 归根结底 is a four-character idiom used as a discourse adverb to introduce the most fundamental point after considering various surface factors — 'getting to the root of the matter, it comes down to. Formation: 归根结底，……（追根究底/说到底，最根本的是……）

when all is said and done, at bottom (getting to the root of it)

HSK6

Formation

归根结底，……（追根究底/说到底，最根本的是……）

Explanation

归根结底 is a four-character idiom used as a discourse adverb to introduce the most fundamental point after considering various surface factors — 'getting to the root of the matter, it comes down to...'. It signals a final, essential conclusion. It usually stands at the head of the clause, often set off by a comma. Close to 说到底/归根到底.

Examples

归根结底，还是钱的问题。
guīgēn jiédǐ, háishi qián de wèntí.
When all is said and done, it still comes down to money.
归根结底，这件事怪我。
guīgēn jiédǐ, zhè jiàn shì guài wǒ.
At bottom, this whole thing is my fault.

Note

Discourse-level; head of clause, often followed by a comma. Close to 说到底.

FAQ

归根结底 — what does it mean and how is it used?

when all is said and done, at bottom (getting to the root of it). 归根结底 is a four-character idiom used as a discourse adverb to introduce the most fundamental point after considering various surface factors — 'getting to the root of the matter, it comes down to...'. It signals a final, essential conclusion. It usually stands at the head of the clause, often set off by a comma. Close to 说到底/归根到底.

归根结底 — how do you form it?

归根结底，……（追根究底/说到底，最根本的是……）

归根结底 — any usage notes?

Discourse-level; head of clause, often followed by a comma. Close to 说到底.

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