Freq. Frequency Top 100,000 Kanji 元 beginning, former time, origin Related words 元もと 元 is a more common and general word for 'origin' or 'source', while 本元 emphasizes the fundamental or original source, often in a more formal or specific context.
本ほん 源げん 本源 also means 'origin' or 'source', but is more abstract and philosophical, often used in academic or religious contexts.
Etymology Compound of 本 (hon, 'main, true') and 元 (moto, 'origin, source'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination naturally yields the meaning 'true origin' or 'main source'.
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