原典

• Reading: げんてん
• Romaji: genten
• Kanji breakdown: 原 (gen) — original, source; 典 (ten) — classic text, authoritative work
• Pronunciation: /ɡen.ten/

Meaning

Original text; source document. The primary, authoritative version of a text, as opposed to a translation, commentary, or adaptation.

A noun used in scholarly, literary, and religious contexts to distinguish the founding document from all derivative versions. In academic research, consulting the 原典 is considered more rigorous than relying on translations. In religious studies, 原典 often refers to sacred scriptures in their original language.

Examples

1. この翻訳は原典の意味をできる限り忠実に伝えようと工夫されている。 This translation has been carefully crafted to convey the meaning of the original text as faithfully as possible.
2. ギリシャ語の原典を読まなければ、古代哲学の真意には辿り着けない。 Without reading the original text in Greek, one cannot arrive at the true meaning of ancient philosophy.
3. 研究の信頼性を高めるには、原典に当たることが不可欠だ。 To enhance the reliability of research, consulting the original text is indispensable.

Usage Guide

Context: academia, religious studies, translation, literary criticism

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 原 (gen, original/source) and 典 (ten, classic text/authoritative book). 典 carries the sense of a canonical or revered text, making 原典 literally 'the founding canonical text.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated