Kanji

What does the kanji 元 mean?

元 means origin, source, beginning; former. On'yomi ゲン、ガン. Kun'yomi もと.

Quick facts
On'yomi	ゲン、ガン
Kun'yomi	もと
Strokes	4
Main radical	儿
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)	N4

元On'yomi ゲン、ガンKun'yomi もと

N4 · estimated, JLPT framework4 strokes

origin, source, beginning; former

Memory hook

Two lines (二) resting on a pair of legs (儿) — the head, the part that comes first — ORIGIN.

Main radical

儿legs 2 strokes

Built from

Stroke order · 4 strokes

1
2
3
4

Common words

元もとorigin, source; former, ex-
元日がんじつNew Year's Day
元気げんきhealthy, energetic, well

More words with this kanji

元々もともとoriginally, from the start
足元あしもとat one's feet; footing, one's step
お元気でおげんきでtake care of yourself
元年がんねんfirst year of an era
元来がんらいoriginally, by nature
元素げんそelement; fundamental component
元首げんしゅhead of state
地元じもとlocal area, hometown
手元てもとat hand, close by; money on hand
還元かんげんgiving back, restoration; reduction (chemistry)

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