Learn Japanese while reading Manga with our new Manga Reader Tool!

Nihongo

Classroom

What is the Kanji for 'Origin'? | 元

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Origin', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Origin' is 元.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Origin

    Reading

    kunyomiもと

    moto

    onyomiげん

    gen

    Parts

    Two Legs

    Example Word

    元来: originally. The Japanese adverb '元来 (がんらい)' means 'originally' or 'by nature'. It is used to describe something that is inherently or fundamentally a certain way, often emphasizing the original state or nature of something. This word is commonly used in formal or written contexts. For example: He was originally a kind person「彼は元来優しい人だった」(かれはがんらいやさしいひとだった). This plant is originally from Japan「この植物は元来日本原産です」(このしょくぶつはがんらいにほんげんさんです). The word can also imply a contrast between the original state and the current state, as in '元来彼は静かな人だが、最近は騒がしい (がんらいかれはしずかなひとだが、さいきんはさわがしい)' (Originally, he was a quiet person, but lately he has been noisy).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    4

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    304

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    kanji

    Meaning

    Two

    radical

    Meaning

    Legs

As Part Of Other Kanji

This kanji appears as part of 4 other kanji:

    kanji

    Meaning

    Complete

    kanji

    Meaning

    Stubborn

    kanji

    Meaning

    Crown, Cap

    kanji

    Meaning

    Toy

Words Using

This kanji is used in 13 words:

    word

    元気

    Meaning

    Healthy, Energetic

    word

    Meaning

    Origin, Basis

    word

    元々

    Meaning

    Originally

    word

    元旦

    Meaning

    New years day

    word

    元来

    Meaning

    Originally

    word

    元日

    Meaning

    New years day

    word

    お中元

    Meaning

    Mid year gift

    word

    地元

    Meaning

    Hometown

    word

    次元

    Meaning

    Dimension

    word

    足元

    Meaning

    Base, Foot

    word

    元年

    Meaning

    First year

    word

    手元

    Meaning

    Hand, Nearby

    word

    紀元

    Meaning

    Era

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 13 kanji contain the part 二 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Three

    kanji

    Meaning

    Eye

    kanji

    Meaning

    Hand

    kanji

    Meaning

    Car

    kanji

    Meaning

    Say

    kanji

    Meaning

    Make

    kanji

    Meaning

    Meet

    kanji

    Meaning

    Face, Surface

    kanji

    Meaning

    Man, Husband

    kanji

    Meaning

    Show, Indicate

    kanji

    Meaning

    Mutual

    kanji

    Meaning

    Well

    kanji

    Meaning

    Benevolent, Humanity

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 12 kanji contain the part 儿 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Four

    kanji

    Meaning

    See

    kanji

    Meaning

    Before, Previous

    kanji

    Meaning

    Light

    kanji

    Meaning

    Older brother

    kanji

    西

    Meaning

    West

    kanji

    Meaning

    Excuse, Exempt

    kanji

    Meaning

    Equal, Counter for animals

    kanji

    Meaning

    Child

    kanji

    Meaning

    Overcome

    kanji

    Meaning

    Demon, Ogre

    kanji

    Meaning

    Tiger

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 元 mean?

元 means 'Origin'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Second Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N4 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.