páo​shù​yào​xún​gēn

to get to the root of the matter

  1. to dig
    To dig, excavate, or unearth something from the ground.
  2. tree
    tree; various types of woody plants
  3. yào auxiliary
    must
    must; should; ought to; expresses a need or obligation
  4. to search
    to search; to seek; to look for
  5. root (botany, family)
    the root of a plant; the part that grows underground to absorb nutrients; also refers to a child who carries on a family line