根源

• Reading: こんげん
• Romaji: kongen
• Kanji breakdown: 根 (kon/ne) — root; 源 (gen/minamoto) — source, origin
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɴ.ɡe.ɴ/

Meaning

Root; source; origin; fundamental cause of something.

A formal noun indicating the deepest origin or fundamental cause of a phenomenon, problem, or concept. More emphatic and literary than 原因 (cause), it suggests something at the very core. Often used in philosophical, analytical, or investigative contexts.

Examples

1. 問題の根源を突き止める必要がある。 We need to get to the root of the problem.
2. ストレスが体調不良の根源だった。 Stress was the root cause of the health issues.
3. 争いの根源は小さな誤解にあることが多い。 The root of a conflict is often a small misunderstanding.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, analysis, problem-solving

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 根 (kon, root) + 源 (gen, source/spring). Literally 'root source,' doubling the imagery of origin to emphasise something deeply foundational.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal