Translation and Meaning of: 原 - gen
The Japanese word 原 [げん, gen] is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings and cultural connections. If you are looking to understand its meaning, origin, or how to use it in everyday life, this article will explore all of that in a clear and practical way. Additionally, we will see how this word appears in everyday contexts and its importance in the Japanese language. Whether for study or curiosity, discover here at Suki Nihongo, the best Japanese dictionary, everything about 原.
Meaning and origin of 原 [げん]
The kanji 原 is composed of the radicals 厂 (cliff) and 泉 (spring), suggesting the idea of a "natural source" or "origin". Its main meanings are "field", "plateau" or "original", depending on the context. This word is present in such as 原因 [げんいん, gen'in] (cause) and 原料 [げんりょう, genryou] (raw material), demonstrating its versatility.
In the Japanese language, 原 is often used in compound words to indicate something fundamental or unprocessed. Its origin dates back to ancient Chinese, where it also represented flat and vast lands. Over time, its use expanded to include abstract concepts such as "originality" and "essence."
Everyday use and practical examples
In daily life, 原 appears in various expressions. For example, 原稿 [げんこう, genkou] means "draft" or "manuscript," while 原子 [げんし, genshi] refers to "atom." These show how the word can be applied in both concrete and scientific contexts.
Another common use is in place names, such as 原宿 [はらじゅく, Harajuku], a famous neighborhood in Tokyo. Here, the kanji 原 takes on the meaning of "open field," reflecting the history of the area. This type of application helps to understand how language and geography intertwine in Japan.
Trivia and memorization tips
An effective way to memorize 原 is to associate it with images of vast fields or plains, as this is one of its primary meanings. Furthermore, observing its use in compound words, such as 原案 [げんあん, gen'an] (original proposal), can reinforce your learning.
An interesting fact is that 原 also appears in people's names, such as 原田 [はらだ, Harada], a common surname in Japan. This demonstrates how kanji is rooted in Japanese culture, both in everyday language and in people's identity.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 根 (ne) - Source
- 元素 (genso) - Element
- 原点 (genten) - Point of origin
- 原形 (genkei) - original form
- 原料 (genryou) - raw material
- 原因 (gen'in) - cause
- 原稿 (genkou) - Manuscript
- 原則 (gensoku) - Principle
- 原理 (genri) - Basic principle
- 原子 (genshi) - atom
- 原色 (genshoku) - Primary color
- 原始 (genshi) - Primitivo
- 原産 (gensan) - Origin (of production)
- 原書 (gensho) - Texto original
- 原罪 (genzai) - Original sin
- 原画 (genga) - Original drawing
- 原版 (genban) - Original version
- 原案 (gen'an) - Original project
- 原価 (genka) - Original cost
- 原型 (genkei) - Original model
- 原爆 (genbaku) - Atomic bomb
- 原地 (gendi) - Place of origin
- 原点回帰 (genten kaiki) - Return to the starting point
- 原音 (gen'on) - Som original
- 原始人 (genshijin) - Primitive man
- 原産国 (gensankoku) - Country of origin
- 原産地 (gensanchi) - Place of origin
- 原始的 (genshit teki) - Primitive, rudimentary
- 原子力 (genshiryoku) - Nuclear energy
- 原子爆弾 (genshi bakudan) - Atomic bomb
- 原子核 (genshi kaku) - Atomic nucleus
- 原子番号 (genshi bangō) - Atomic number
- 原子力発電 (genshiryoku hatsudengen) - Nuclear power generation
- 原子力エネルギ (genshiryoku enerugi) - Nuclear energy
Related words
Romaji: gen
Kana: げん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: original; primitive; primary; fundamental; brute
Meaning in English: original;primitive;primary;fundamental;raw
Definition: The origin and fundamental elements of things.
Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (原) gen
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (原) gen:
Example Sentences - (原) gen
See below some example sentences:
Gennin wo saguru koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to look for the root cause.
It is important to explore the cause.
- 原因 - means "cause" in Japanese.
- を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
- 探る - verb meaning "to investigate" or "to explore".
- こと - Noun meaning "thing" or "fact".
- が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
- 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
- です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is a statement.
Gen'in wa nan desu ka?
What is the cause?
What is the reason?
- 原因 - means "cause" in Japanese.
- は - is a topic particle in Japanese, which indicates the subject of the sentence.
- 何 - means "what" in Japanese.
- です - It is a polite way to say "is" in Japanese.
- か - is an interrogative particle in Japanese, which indicates a question.
Genryō wa seihin no hinshitsu ni ōkiku eikyō shimasu
The subjects have a significant effect on product quality.
- 原料 - raw material
- は - Topic particle
- 製品 - product
- の - Possession particle
- 品質 - quality
- に - target particle
- 大きく - greatly
- 影響します - influence
Genkei wo tamotsu koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to maintain its original form.
- 原形 - noun meaning "original form"
- を - direct object particle
- 保つ - verb meaning "keep"
- こと - noun indicating an abstract action or event
- が - subject particle
- 大切 - Adjective meaning "important"
- です - linking verb indicating a polite statement
Genshi no kakaku ga agatta
The price of gross oil increased.
- 原油 - crude oil
- の - Possession particle
- 価格 - price
- が - subject particle
- 上がった - Subiu
Gensho wo yomitai desu
I want to read the original book.
I want to read the original.
- 原書 - It means "original book" in Japanese.
- を - object particle in Japanese, indicates that the object of the action is "原書".
- 読みたい - verb "read" in the present tense, meaning "I want to read".
- です - finishing particle in Japanese, used to express politeness or formality.
Genri wo rikai suru koto ga juuyou desu
It is important to understand the principles.
It is important to understand the principle.
- 原理 (genri) - principle, theory
- を (wo) - object particle
- 理解する (rikai suru) - understand
- こと (koto) - verb noun
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 重要 (juuyou) - important
- です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
Genten ni modorou
Let's go back to origin.
- 原点 - It means "point of origin" or "zero point."
- に - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the location where something happens.
- 戻ろう - It is a verb that means "to return" or "to come back". The suffix "う" indicates that it is in the imperative form, in other words, a request or suggestion.
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
