源
minamoto[mʲina̠mo̞to̞]
In Japanese, the English phrase 'source' is expressed as 源 (minamoto). Wiktionary also lists 根源 (kongen) and 起源 (kigen).
Meaning: the person, place or thing from which something (information, goods, etc.) comes or is acquired (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 源 | minamoto | [mʲina̠mo̞to̞] (narrow) |
| 根源 | kongen | [kõ̞ŋɡẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 起源 | kigen | [kʲiɡẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 本源 | hongen | [hõ̞ŋɡẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
The term refers to a person, place or thing from which something (information, goods, etc.) comes or is acquired.
What does it mean word for word?
The character 源 literally represents a spring or a flowing stream, which is why it is used for sources of water and, by extension, sources of anything.
Which one should you use?
Use 起源 (kigen) when referring to the historical origin or the beginning of a phenomenon, rather than a physical source of supply. Use 根源 (kongen) when referring to the fundamental, deep-seated or abstract root of a problem or a concept. 本源 (hongen) is also a form.
How do you pronounce it?
minamoto
Did you know?
- In Japanese history, the 源 (Minamoto) clan was one of the most powerful families, playing a central role in the establishment of the first samurai government.
- The word 源 (minamoto) is a common Japanese surname, often chosen by families who historically lived near the headwaters of a river.
- Some scholars believe the first part of 源 (minamoto) was originally an honorific prefix 御 (mi-) used to show respect to the water.
Examples in context
- これは優れた繊維源である。This is an excellent source of fibre.This sentence demonstrates the use of 源 to describe a source of fibre.Tatoeba #10901700 by small_snow, translation #11114832 by tsp_2
- どんな川にも水源があります。Every river has a source.This sentence shows how 源 is used to describe the source of a river.Tatoeba #11048067 by small_snow, translation #3971727 by AlanF_US
- 太陽は光と熱と生命の永遠の源です。The sun is the eternal source of light, heat, and life.This sentence illustrates the use of 源 when describing the sun as an eternal source of life, light and heat.Tatoeba #4744205 by User61587, translation #4828649 by salpfish
- この噂の 由来 を教えてください。Please tell me the source of this rumor.
- その言葉の 由来 が不明です。The source of that word is unclear.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a research project in the library.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの情報の源はどこですか？Kono jouhou no minamoto wa doko desu ka?What is the source of this information?
- 結衣 Yui信頼できる専門の雑誌です。Shinrai dekiru senmon no zasshi desu.It is a reliable professional magazine.
- 大翔 Hirotoなるほど。源がはっきりしていていいですね。Naruhodo. Minamoto ga hakkiri shite ite ii desu ne.I see. It's good that the source is clear.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、大翔さんも確認してください。Hai, Yamato-san mo kakunin shite kudasai.Yes, please check it too, Yamato.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “source” translations and entries 源, 根源, 起源, 本源, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 根源, 源, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
