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根本に戻る
konpon ni modoru
What does "根本に戻る" mean?
go back to basicsこの問題は根本に戻って考え直す必要がある。
We need to go back to basics and rethink this problem.
How to use "根本に戻る" correctly?
formal
To return to the fundamental principles or origin of something, especially after overcomplicating it.
失敗の原因を根本に戻って分析しよう。
Let's analyze the cause of the failure by going back to the root.
議論が本質からずれていたので、根本に戻って話し合いましょう。
The discussion strayed from the essence, so let's return to the fundamentals.
Often used in problem-solving, decision-making, or process improvement contexts.
Collocations
根本に戻って考えるthink from the ground up根本に戻る必要があるneed to get back to basics
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use this phrase
Use when suggesting a return to fundamental principles after overcomplication or when correcting a deviation from core values. More formal than casual speech.
Gold Rule
Avoid literal translation
Don't translate word-for-word ('return to the root'). Instead, convey the idiomatic meaning of returning to fundamentals.
Word Origin
Composed of 根本 (konpon, 'root/foundation') and 戻る (modoru, 'to return'). The phrase emerged in modern Japanese as a metaphor for returning to fundamental principles in problem-solving.
Usage Notes
Common in business, engineering, and personal development contexts. Often used when a process or idea has become overly complex or deviated from its original purpose.
Word Breakdown
根本
root/foundation/basic principle
nounに
to (directional particle)
particle戻る
to return
verb和英辞典