元
beginning · former time · origin
Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
one + 兀
Cultural Context
Etymology
Shape emphasizing person's head. Beginning, origin.
Symbolism
Origin, vitality, New Year's Day. Represents beginning and foundation.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Flow of time
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
一新紀元
いっしんきげん
new era; new age; new era
本家本元
ほんけほんもと
original home; birthplace; originator; original home
鼻元思案
はなもとじあん
superficial (shortsighted) way of thinking; half-baked (foolish, ill-advised) idea; superficial (shortsighted) way of thinking
元気溌剌
げんきはつらつ
full of energy; full of liveliness; full of pep; full of energy
一世一元
いっせいいちげん
the practice of assigning one era name to one emperor; the practice of assigning one era name to one emperor
喉元思案
のどもとじあん
superficial way of thinking; shortsighted thinking; shallow idea; superficial way of thinking
Proverbs & Idioms
元の木阿弥
もとのもくあみ
Back to square one
All efforts were in vain; returned to the original state
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 元 mean in Japanese?
元 means beginning, former time, origin.
How do you read 元?
On'yomi: ゲン、ガン (GEN, GAN). Kun'yomi: もと (moto).
How many strokes does 元 have?
元 has 4 strokes. Its radical is 儿 (legs).
Is 元 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 元 (beginning, former time, origin) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
Explore by meaning:kanji for beginning · kanji for origin