source, origin
源 centers on the point where something begins: a source, origin, or root from which things flow or develop.
源 combines 氵 (water) with 原 (origin, plain), suggesting a spring or water source. 原 likely contributes both sound and the idea of origin.
Water 氵 flows from the original source 原. Picture a spring bubbling up from the ground, the origin of a stream.
For ゲン, imagine a generator at the source of a river, producing power: gen -> ゲン, and the water flows from the origin.
source (of a river); fountainhead
source of electricity; electrical power
resources
sound source; sound generator; tone generator
origin; beginning; source
hypocentre (of an earthquake); hypocenter; focus
source of funds; resources; finances
source (of a spring, etc.)
origin of a word; derivation of a word; etymology
root; source; origin; cause
source of river; fountainhead
light source
source (e.g. of a river); headwaters
heat source
The Tale of Genji (Heian-period classic)
earthly paradise; Shangri-la
Genji and Heike clans; two opposing sides
diving beetle
"professional name" used by hostesses and geisha
Genji (the character in the Genji Monogatari)