端緒 (たんしょ) Japanese meaning | KotomoraCommon wordFreq.FrequencyTop 50,000 Meanings
1
noun
start; beginning; clue; first step
Refers to the very beginning or a hint that leads to understanding something; often used in formal or written contexts.
緒
は
小
さな
疑
問
から
始
まっ
た
。
The beginning of the research started from a small question.
たんちょ
Kanji
緒thong, beginning, inception
Similar words
- 始まり
始まり is a general word for 'beginning' or 'start', while 端緒 is more formal and often implies the initial clue or trigger that leads to something.
- 手がかり
手がかり is a common word for 'clue' or 'lead', while 端緒 is more literary and can also mean the very start of something.
Etymology
端 (edge, beginning) + 緒 (thread, beginning). The combination suggests the 'thread' that leads to the start of something.