Skip to main content
Try a free Korean lesson

Korean learner dictionary

근본 meaning and pronunciation

geunbon · essence; base; foundation

NIKL-backed definitions, English glosses, pronunciation, examples, and learner-level context.

Dictionary entry

NIKL target code 37177
Part of speech: 명사Pronunciation: 근본Level: Intermediate · NIKL learner grade
  1. 1.

    어떤 것의 본질이나 바탕.

    English: essence; base; foundation — The essence or foundation of something.

    Examples

    • 나라의 근본.
    • 물리학의 근본.
    • 정치의 근본.
    • 근본 문제.
    • 근본 원인.
    • 근본 원칙.
  2. 2.

    한 사람이 자라 온 환경이나 혈통.

    English: root; origin — The environment in which one has grown up or one's family lineage.

    Examples

    • 근본이 나쁘다.
    • 근본이 미천하다.
    • 근본이 있다.
    • 근본이 좋다.
    • 승규는 근본부터가 남들과 비교할 수 없을 정도로 좋았다.
    • 어른들은 결혼할 상대로 근본이 좋은 사람을 고르라고 말씀하셨다.
Origin
根本

Active recall

Check whether you can produce it without looking.

Try to answer first. Reveal only after you have committed to an answer.

Card 1 of 2

How do you say “essence; base; foundation” in Korean?

Ready to level up 근본?

Turn 근본 from a quick lookup into memory with related lessons, review, sentences, and speaking practice.

Try a free Korean lesson

No account required for the demo. Cancel Pro anytime.