源氏
Meanings
1
Genji (character in The Tale of Genji)
Refers specifically to Hikaru Genji, the protagonist of the classic Heian-period novel Genji Monogatari.
The protagonist of The Tale of Genji is Hikaru Genji, commonly called 'Genji'.
2
Minamoto clan; Genji clan
One of the four great noble clans of the Heian period; often contrasted with the Taira (Heike) clan. In historical contexts, 源氏 refers to the entire lineage.
The Minamoto and the Taira clans fought at the end of the Heian period.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉は源氏物語を読むsomeone reads The Tale of Genji
She read The Tale of Genji in college.
- 源氏と平家が争うthe Genji and Heike clans fight each other
It's a story depicting the era when the Genji and Heike clans fought each other.