源流
Meanings
1
source of a river; headwaters
Refers to the geographical origin point or upper reaches of a river or stream.
The source of that river is deep in the mountains.
2
Metaphorical extension: the starting point or root of something continuous like a tradition, culture, language, or thought.
The origin of this festival dates back to the Heian period.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に源流があるto have its source in (a place)
This river has its source on Mt. Fuji.
- 源流をたどるto trace something back to its source
She is researching the origins of Japanese culture.
- 〈事〉の源流となるto become the origin/root of something
This idea became the source of modern philosophy.