源

• Reading: みなもと
• Romaji: minamoto
• Kanji breakdown: 源 (minamoto/gen) — source, origin, fountainhead
• Pronunciation: /mi.na.mo.to/

Meaning

Source; origin; fountainhead. The point where a river begins or where something originates.

A noun with both literal and figurative uses. Literally refers to the source of a river or stream. Figuratively means the origin or root cause of something — similar to English 'source of.' Also a famous Japanese surname (Minamoto clan). Forms compounds like 源流 (genryuu, headwaters) and 語源 (gogen, etymology). The reading みなもと is the native Japanese (kun) reading, while げん (gen) is the Sino-Japanese (on) reading used in compounds.

Examples

1. この川の源は山の奥にある。 The source of this river is deep in the mountains.
2. 創造力は芸術の源だと思う。 I think creativity is the source of art.
3. 問題の源をたどると、最初の設計ミスに行き着く。 If you trace the source of the problem, you end up at the original design flaw.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, philosophy, literature

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Native Japanese word (wago). Originally み (water) + な (of, possessive) + もと (origin/base). The kanji 源 was later applied, combining 氵(water radical) and 原 (original/plain).

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal