Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 起源 | kigen | [kʲiɡẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 創世期 | sōseiki |
The term refers to the origin, start or the point at which something comes into being. While 起源 is the standard term for an origin or source, you may also use 始まり (hajimari) to mean 'beginning' or 'commencement' as an indirect way to refer to the concept of a genesis.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 起源 is composed of 起 (to rise or occur) and 源 (source or origin). The term 創世記 is composed of 創 (create), 世 (world) and 記 (record or chronicle).
Which one should you use?
Use 起源 when discussing the origin or source of a phenomenon, a concept or a historical event. Use 創世期 when referring specifically to a period of time, such as the era of creation or the dawn of the world. If you are referring specifically to the name of the Book of Genesis in the Bible, use 創世記.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
kigen
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific distinction between 起源 (kigen), the point of origin, and 由来 (yurai), which describes the history or 'derivation' of how something became what it is today.
- The word 源 (gen) in 起源 is the same character used in the word 'river' or 'fountain' in many contexts, visually suggesting a physical spring of water.
- While 創世記 refers to the biblical Book of Genesis, the word 創世 (sōsei) alone can be used in science fiction to describe the act of 'world creation' or 'creation of a universe'.
Examples in context
- 生命の起源について研究しています。Seimei no kigen ni tsuite kenkyū shite imasu.I am studying the origin of life.
- この伝統の起源は不明です。Kono dentō no kigen wa fumei desu.The origin of this tradition is unknown.
- 文明の起源を探る旅に出る。Bunmei no kigen o saguru tabi ni deru.To go on a journey to search for the origin of civilization.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are talking about a traditional festival.
- 結衣 Yuiこの祭りの起源を知っていますか？Kono matsuri no kigen o shitte imasu ka?Do you know the origin of this festival?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、全然分かりません。Iie, zenzen wakarimasen.No, I have no idea.
- 結衣 Yui古い伝説が起源だそうです。Furui densetsu ga kigen da sō desu.I heard an old legend is the origin.
- 健太 Kentaそれはとても興味深いですね。Sore wa totemo kyōmibukai desu ne.That is very interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “genesis” translations and entries 起源, 創世期, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
