治本 (zhì běn) — to address the root cause; to take fundamental measures

Definition

治本 means to fix the underlying cause of a problem, not just the surface symptoms. It is the natural opposite of 治标 (treat the symptoms only).

verb
to address the root causeto take fundamental measures

Examples

  • 治本
    Jiě jué zhè ge wèn tí yào zhì běn, bù néng zhī zhì biāo.
    To solve this problem, you must address the root cause, not just treat the symptoms.
  • Zhè zhǒng yào zhǐ néng zhì biāo, zhì bù liǎo běn.
    This medicine can only treat the symptoms; it can't cure the root cause.
  • 治本
    Huán jìng zhì lǐ bì xū cóng yuán tóu zhì běn.
    Environmental management must address the root at the source.

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