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元
Origin, Source, Former
もと (moto)
JLPT N4
Interesting Fact
👑 When a new emperor ascends the throne, Japan begins a new era (gengō). The first year isn't called "Year 1"—it's called "元年 (gannen)", meaning "origin year." Modern Japan has passed through the Meiji era (modernization), Shōwa era (including World War II and Japan's economic recovery), Heisei era (peace and technological growth), and the current Reiwa era, which began in 2019. Every new chapter in Japanese history starts with the kanji 元.
Memory Trick
👶 Imagine a tiny child taking their very first step. Every origin begins with tiny steps. That's 元.
Readings
Onyomi: ゲン (gen), ガン (gan)
Kunyomi: もと (moto)
Example Words
元気
げんき (genki)
Healthy, energetic
元
もと (moto)
Origin, source
地元
じもと (jimoto)
Local area
元日
がんじつ (ganjitsu)
New Year's Day
Example Sentence
今日は とても 元気です。
きょうは とても げんきです。
kyou wa totemo genki desu
I am very energetic today.