root

(tree) + (good)
★★★☆☆
10 strokes
PN

Onyomi

KON

This is a weird tree because the CONES are not on the branches but instead they grow from the roots.

Mnemonic

It's good for trees to have a root. Stability and nutrients from the soil. You know the deal.

Kunyomi

root
★★★☆☆

Jukugo

根本(こんぽん)

the fundamentals ★★★☆☆
(root) + (book / the real) = 根本 (the fundamentals)

the fundamentals (how is it different from 基本? Well, with 根本, the emphasis is: the fundamental, deep, organizing principles, not the most easy 'for dummies' bits). The essential and underlying - as opposed to on the surface and easily apparent) Also handy:こんぽんてきな (the adjective form)

屋根(やね)

roof ★★☆☆☆ KUN ON
(store) + (root) = 屋根 (roof)

roof . That's right, not root. Roof!

根気(こんき) のよい / のわるい

patience ★★☆☆☆
(root) + (mood) = 根気 (patience)

patience. You need 根気 to be able to 我慢 (がまん)。
Often used like 根気がいい(she's very patient!) or, 根気よくxxxした! (you did xxx very patiently!)

根性(こんじょう)

balls ★★☆☆☆
(root) + (sex / essential nature) = 根性 (balls)

guts /balls (for instance, giving yourself cigarette burns to prove some kind of point about being a man)

Lookalikes

Meaning Hint Radical
hold a grudge HEART
root TREE

Simple!
You hold a grudge in your HEART,

but the TREE has a root.

Synonyms

endure, persevere
我慢    忍耐    根気    忍ぶ    堪忍する   
fundamentals
根本的    本来    基本的    基盤    基礎   
guts
闘志    根性    意地