治本

zhìběn

verb #40,364

Meanings

1 to address the root cause
2 to effect a permanent solution
3 to tackle the fundamental issue

Characters

to govern; treat

Examples

光吃药只是治标，运动才能治本。

Guāng chī yào zhǐshì zhìbiāo, yùndòng cái néng zhìběn.

Just taking medicine treats the symptoms; only exercise addresses the root cause.

解决污染问题必须治本。

Jiějué wūrǎn wèntí bìxū zhìběn.

Solving pollution requires tackling the root of the problem.

教育改革要从治本入手。

Jiàoyù gǎigé yào cóng zhìběn rùshǒu.

Educational reform must start from the root.

Tips

usage

Always paired conceptually with 治标 (treat the symptoms). The classic phrase is 治标不治本 (treats the symptoms but not the root) and 标本兼治 (treat both symptoms and root).

Stroke Order

治 zhì

本 běn