元

• Reading: もと
• Romaji: moto
• Kanji breakdown: 元 (moto/gen/gan) — origin, source, beginning, former
• Pronunciation: /mo.to/

Meaning

Origin; source; beginning. Refers to the base, root, or starting point of something.

A versatile word appearing in many common compounds like 元気 (genki, healthy/energetic) and 元日 (ganjitsu, New Year's Day). As a standalone noun it means 'origin' or 'the original.' Also used as a prefix meaning 'former,' as in 元彼 (motokare, ex-boyfriend).

Examples

1. この話の元は何ですか。 What is the origin of this story?
2. 元の場所に戻してください。 Please put it back in its original place.
3. 元はこの近くに住んでいました。 I used to live near here.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, conversation, explanation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 元 depicts a person with the head emphasized, representing the 'head' or 'beginning' of something.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal