起源
qǐyuán
Genesis, in the sense of the origin of something, is 起源 (qǐyuán) in Chinese. If unsure, use 起源. Wiktionary also lists 創始 / 创始 (chuàngshǐ) and 開端 / 开端 (kāiduān).
Meaning: the origin, start, or point at which something comes into being (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 起源 | qǐyuán |
| 創始 / 创始 | chuàngshǐ |
| 開端 / 开端 | kāiduān |
For the first book of the Bible, the name is 創世記 / 创世记 and the spelling 創世紀 / 创世纪 is also seen.
What does it mean word for word?
起源 is made of 起, to rise or start and 源, source or spring.
Which one should you use?
起源 is used for the origin of natural phenomena, species or abstract things such as a movement or a trend. 創始 / 创始 (chuàngshǐ) is used for the founding of an organization, company or institution by people. 開端 / 开端 (kāiduān) is the starting point in time or the first stage of a process or an era.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
Say qǐyuán with a dipping tone and then a rising tone.
Did you know?
- The term 開端 (kāiduān), used for the start of an era, uses a character 端 that literally refers to the tip or edge of a piece of fabric.
- The conceptual link between 'genesis' and water is so strong in Chinese that the character 源 (yuán) in 起源 specifically denotes the headwaters of a river.
- Chinese lacks a single universal word for 'genesis', forcing speakers to choose a different term depending on whether the origin is natural, human-made or time-based.
Examples in context
- 我们经常讨论起源的问题，创世是一个无比神奇的过程。We often discuss questions of origins, Genesis is an incredibly fascinating process.
- 生命的起源是一個謎。Shēngmìng de qǐyuán shì yīgè mí.The origin of life is a mystery.
- 這座城市的起源可以追溯到千年前。Zhè zuò chéngshì de qǐyuán kěyǐ zhuīsù dào qiān nián qián.The origin of this city can be traced back a thousand years.
- 我們需要研究這種現象的起源。Wǒmen xūyào yánjiū zhè zhǒng xiànxiàng de qǐyuán.We need to study the origin of this phenomenon.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a history project in the library.
- 雨婷 Yuting浩然，你知道这个城市的起源吗？Hàorán, nǐ zhīdào zhège chéngshì de qǐyuán ma?Haoran, do you know the origin of this city?
- 浩然 Haoran我不确定，我得查一下资料。Wǒ bù quèdìng, wǒ děi chá yīxià zīliào.I'm not sure, I need to check some materials.
- 雨婷 Yuting我们可以一起去图书馆看看。Wǒmen kěyǐ yīqǐ qù túshūguǎn kànkan.We can go to the library and look together.
- 浩然 Haoran好主意，我们现在就走吧。Hǎo zhǔyì, wǒmen xiànzài jiù zǒu ba.Good idea, let's go right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “genesis” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
