Japanese word

原作

Pronunciation

Romajigensaku

Meaning

  • nounoriginal work

Example

この映画は小説が原作です。ko no ei ga wa shō setsu ga gen saku de su

This movie is based on a novel.

Illustration for 原作 (original work)

More examples

この映画の原作を読んでから、もう一度見ました。ko no ei ga no gen saku o yo n de ka ra mō ichi do mi ma shi ta

I read the original work before watching the movie again.

Core concept

Refers to the work that provides the original story or material for a later adaptation.

Common phrases

  • 映画の原作ei ga no gen saku

    the source material for the movie

  • 原作を読むgen saku o yo mu

    read the original work

Similar words

原著gencho: The original written work on which a translation or adaptation is based.
オリジナルorijinaru: The original work or version from which a later adaptation or remake is developed.

Definition in Japanese

映画やドラマなどのもとになった小説や漫画などの作品。ei ga ya do ra ma na do no mo to ni na tta shō setsu ya man ga na do no saku hin

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 原作 (gensaku) combines 原 (gen, "origin") and 作 (saku, "work") to mean a work that serves as the source for an adaptation.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese film and television credits, 原作 (gensaku) often identifies a novel or manga that the production adapts.

Related words

  • 原作者gensakushaoriginal authornoun

Word lists with this word