# 根深蒂固

gēn shēn dì gù

Firmly established and difficult to change

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Deep roots and a firm base

**Register:** General · spoken & written

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Describe a strongly established idea, habit, or condition.

Whether it is helpful or limiting depends on context.

## The image & its use

Roots make a plant steady, and an established way of thinking can have a similar hold. This expression often describes habits or assumptions that have developed over a long period. Their persistence may support a good practice or make an adjustment difficult. The phrase therefore does not supply a judgment by itself. Explain what has become established and how it affects the present situation. If change is needed, gradual practice and clearer evidence may be more useful than simply repeating that the old habit is wrong.

## Examples

他每天阅读的习惯已经根深蒂固。

### Traditional Chinese

他每天閱讀的習慣已經根深蒂固。

tā měi tiān yuè dú de xí guàn yǐ jīng gēn shēn dì gù 。

His daily reading habit is firmly established.

这种旧观念根深蒂固，需要耐心解释。

### Traditional Chinese

這種舊觀念根深蒂固，需要耐心解釋。

zhè zhǒng jiù guān niàn gēn shēn dì gù ， xū yào nài xīn jiě shì 。

That old assumption is deeply rooted and needs patient explanation.

她对家乡的感情根深蒂固。

### Traditional Chinese

她對家鄉的感情根深蒂固。

tā duì jiā xiāng de gǎn qíng gēn shēn dì gù 。

Her affection for her hometown is deeply rooted.

改变根深蒂固的做事方式需要时间。

### Traditional Chinese

改變根深蒂固的做事方式需要時間。

gǎi biàn gēn shēn dì gù de zuò shì fāng shì xū yào shí jiān 。

Changing a firmly established way of doing things takes time.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 7, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1227&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%A0%B9%E6%B7%B1%E8%92%82%E5%9B%BA)

## Keep exploring

- [故步自封 gù bù zì fēng Refuse to move beyond old methods ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/gu-bu-zi-feng)

- [故态复萌 gù tài fù méng Return to an old undesirable habit ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/gu-tai-fu-meng)

- [刮目相看 guā mù xiāng kàn Regard someone with fresh respect after improvement ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/gua-mu-xiang-kan)

- [瓜熟蒂落 guā shú dì luò Results arrive when conditions are ready ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/gua-shu-di-luo)

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