root

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 根 has 10 strokes and refers to a plant's root or the source of something.
• Basic usage: 根 is read ね, and 根拠, a basis or evidence, is read こんきょ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• From a root to a source
  • 白い根 means a white root, while 誤解の根 is the source of a misunderstanding.
• Support for a judgment
  • 意見の根拠 is the reason or evidence supporting an opinion.
  • 根拠のない噂 means an unsupported rumor.