資源

• Reading: しげん
• Romaji: shigen
• Kanji breakdown: 資 (shi) — resources, capital; 源 (gen) — source, origin
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ɡe.n/

Meaning

Resources. Materials or substances that have value and can be used for economic benefit.

Covers natural resources (天然資源), energy resources, water resources, and human resources (人的資源). Japan is notably resource-poor in terms of fossil fuels and minerals, making this a key topic in Japanese geography and economics education.

Examples

1. 日本は天然資源が少ない国だ。 Japan is a country with few natural resources.
2. 水は大切な資源なので無駄にしてはいけない。 Water is a precious resource and should not be wasted.
3. この地域は石油などの資源が豊富だ。 This region is rich in resources such as petroleum.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, economics, environment

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 資 (shi, resources/capital) and 源 (gen, source/origin). Literally 'source of capital,' describing valuable materials at their origin.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal