Japanese word

根源

Pronunciation

Romajikongen

Meaning

  • nounsource

Example

問題の根源を探ります。mon dai no kon gen o sagu ri ma su

We explore the source of the problem.

Illustration for 根源 (source)

More examples

学びの根源は、知りたいという気持ちです。mana bi no kon gen wa shi ri ta i to i u ki mo chi de su

The source of learning is the desire to know.

Core concept

Describes the deepest point from which a problem, event, or idea fundamentally arises.

Common phrases

  • 根源を探るkon gen o sagu ru

    trace the source

  • 根源に迫るkon gen ni sema ru

    get to the root

Similar words

原因genin: A circumstance or factor that brings about a problem, event, or result.
根本konpon: The fundamental basis beneath a problem, matter, or system of thought.
源minamoto: The starting point or provider from which something comes.

Definition in Japanese

物事の成り立ちや問題の深い原因となる、根本のところ。mono goto no na ri ta chi ya mon dai no fuka i gen in to na ru kon pon no to ko ro

Word origin

根源 (kongen) combines 根 (kon, "root") and 源 (gen, "source"), expressing the fundamental source from which something arises.

Usage tips

  • Unlike 原因 (gen'in), which can name any cause, 根源 (kongen) points to the deepest underlying source of a problem.

Other meanings

  • originnoun
  • rootnoun

Related words

  • 根源的kongentekifundamentalna-adjective
  • 根源性kongenseifundamentalitynoun

Word lists with this word