泉

• Reading: いずみ
• Romaji: izumi
• Kanji breakdown: 泉 (sen/izumi) — spring, fountain
• Pronunciation: /i.zɯ.mi/

Meaning

Spring; fountain. A place where water wells up naturally from the ground.

A noun referring to a natural spring or source of water. Also used figuratively to mean a source or wellspring, as in 知識の泉 (fountain of knowledge). A very common element in Japanese place names and personal names, such as 和泉 (Izumi). The word 温泉 (onsen, hot spring) contains this kanji.

Examples

1. 山の中にきれいな泉を見つけた。 I found a beautiful spring in the mountains.
2. 彼は知識の泉のような人だ。 He's like a fountain of knowledge.
3. この泉の水は飲めるらしい。 Apparently you can drink the water from this spring.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, literature, geography

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 泉 is a pictograph depicting water welling up from the ground. The water radical is embedded within the character, and the lower portion represents a pool.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal