The source or fountainhead from which something continuously originates or flows.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the origin or source of something.
- Used for both physical springs and abstract concepts.
- Common in business, finance, and creative discussions.
概要
「源泉（げんせん）」という言葉は、文字通りには水が湧き出る「みなもと」を意味します。しかし、現代日本語では物理的な水源以外にも、物事の始まりや力の根拠となるものを指す抽象的な概念として非常に頻繁に使用されます。2) 使用パターン: 主に「～の源泉」という形で使われ、何かが生み出される根本的な要因や場所を強調します。特に経済やビジネスの文脈では、収益や力の源を指す際に多用されます。3) 一般的な文脈: 温泉の「源泉かけ流し」のような日常的な表現から、経済学における「源泉徴収」、さらには創造性の源泉といった哲学的な文脈まで幅広いです。4) 類語比較: 「起源（きげん）」は物事が始まった時期や由来に重きを置きますが、「源泉」はそこから絶えず何かが供給され続けているという「湧き出るイメージ」が強い点が異なります。「根源（こんげん）」はより抽象的で深い根本的な理由を指す際に使われます。
Examples
この温泉は源泉かけ流しです。
everydayThis hot spring uses water flowing directly from the source.
彼は創造性の源泉について語った。
formalHe talked about the source of his creativity.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
収入の源泉
Source of income
力の源泉
Source of power
Often Confused With
Refers to the historical beginning or origin of a concept or event. It does not imply an ongoing flow like 'gensen'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
It is a formal or semi-formal word. In casual speech, people often use 'moto' instead. It is essential in financial and tourism contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it for historical origins, which should be 'kigen'. Remember that 'gensen' is about the 'source' where something is currently being generated.
Tips
Focus on the flowing imagery
Think of the word as a spring that never stops flowing. This helps you remember that it applies to things like income and creativity.
Don't confuse with origin
While related to origin, 'gensen' implies an active, ongoing source. Use 'kigen' for historical beginnings.
Hot spring culture
In Japan, 'gensen-kakenagashi' (direct from the source) is a mark of high-quality hot springs. It emphasizes purity and natural flow.
Word Origin
Derived from 'gen' (origin/source) and 'sen' (spring/fountain). It combines the concept of beginning with the imagery of a flowing stream.
Cultural Context
The term is deeply tied to Japan's hot spring culture, where the quality of the 'gensen' determines the value of the 'onsen'.
Memory Tip
Imagine a mountain spring (gen-sen) where fresh water (or money/ideas) is constantly bubbling up. This active flow is the key to the word.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions「水源」は主に川や湖など、水の供給源となる場所を指す地理的な用語です。「源泉」は温泉の湧出口や、抽象的な物事の根源を指す際に使われます。
給与や報酬を支払う側が、あらかじめ所得税を差し引いて国に納める制度です。この「源泉」は、所得が発生する大元の場所という意味です。
温泉に行く際や、ビジネスの文脈ではよく使われます。日常的な雑談では「きっかけ」や「もと」と言う方が自然な場合もあります。
Test Yourself
温泉の___から直接お湯を引いている。
温泉の湧き出る場所は「源泉」と言います。
Score: /1
Summary
The source or fountainhead from which something continuously originates or flows.
- Refers to the origin or source of something.
- Used for both physical springs and abstract concepts.
- Common in business, finance, and creative discussions.
Focus on the flowing imagery
Think of the word as a spring that never stops flowing. This helps you remember that it applies to things like income and creativity.
Don't confuse with origin
While related to origin, 'gensen' implies an active, ongoing source. Use 'kigen' for historical beginnings.
Hot spring culture
In Japan, 'gensen-kakenagashi' (direct from the source) is a mark of high-quality hot springs. It emphasizes purity and natural flow.
Examples
2 of 2この温泉は源泉かけ流しです。
This hot spring uses water flowing directly from the source.
彼は創造性の源泉について語った。
He talked about the source of his creativity.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More nature words
～上
B1Above; on top of; up.
〜の上
A2On top of, above, upon.
豊か
B1Abundant; rich; plentiful (na-adjective).
〜に従って
B1According to, in conformity with, as (something happens).
酸性雨
B1Acid rain.
営み
B1Activity; daily life; undertaking (e.g., life's activities).
順応する
B1To adapt; to adjust; to conform.
~を背景に
B1Against the backdrop of; with...as background.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Air pollution; the presence of harmful substances in the air.
