情報源

• Reading: じょうほうげん
• Romaji: jouhougen
• Kanji breakdown: 情 (jō) — emotion, circumstances; 報 (hō) — report, news; 源 (gen) — source, origin
• Pronunciation: /dʑoː.hoː.ɡeɴ/

Meaning

Source of information; intelligence source. The origin or provider of news, data, or knowledge.

A noun referring to the source from which information is obtained. Used in journalism, research, and everyday discussion about where facts come from. Can refer to a person, document, website, or any channel that provides information. 情報 (information) + 源 (source) is a straightforward compound.

Examples

1. その情報源は信頼できるのか確認した方がいい。 You should verify whether that source of information is reliable.
2. 記者は情報源を明かさなかった。 The reporter did not reveal their source.
3. インターネットは便利な情報源だが注意も必要だ。 The internet is a convenient source of information, but caution is also necessary.

Usage Guide

Context: journalism, research, media literacy

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 情報 (jōhō, information) + 源 (gen, source/origin). A modern compound reflecting the increasing importance of information provenance.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal