归根到底 for “In the Final Analysis” | HSK 7

Pattern

……，归根到底（是／还是）+ basic reason

归根到底 digs past the details to the root cause or the most basic fact.

他的中文进步这么快，归根到底是因为每天都练习。

When to use 归根到底 for “In the Final Analysis”

归根到底 literally means “go back to the root, go down to the bottom”. After looking at a situation, the speaker uses it to name the most basic reason or fact, like “in the final analysis” or “when it comes down to it”.

大家意见不同，归根到底，还是因为看问题的角度不一样。

Everyone has a different opinion; in the final analysis, it’s because they look at the problem from different angles.

学习方法很多，但归根到底，最重要的是坚持。

There are many ways to study, but in the final analysis, the most important thing is to keep at it.

这次活动办得好，归根到底靠的是每一位同学的努力。

The event went well, and in the end that was thanks to every student’s hard work.

城市交通问题，归根到底是车太多、路太少。

The city’s traffic problem comes down to too many cars and too few roads.

Common traps

归根到底 is a fixed four-character phrase; don’t shorten it to 归根 (the variant 归根结底 means the same).
For an impatient “… on earth?” question, use 到底, not 归根到底: 你到底去不去？
To simply sum up a list of points, 总之 is more natural; 归根到底 names the basic cause.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

这次活动办得好，靠的是每一位同学的努力

The event went well, and in the end that was thanks to every student’s hard work

guī gēn dào dǐ

Meanings

in the final analysis; when it comes down to it

Fill in the missing piece, then press Enter

When to use 归根到底 for “In the Final Analysis”

Common traps

Targeted drill

Keep this pattern in review.