Kanji meanings › Origin
Kanji for Origin
Japanese has more than one kanji connected to “origin”: 宗、元. Each has its own feeling. Compare their meanings, readings and the names they appear in.
origin
A lineage or principle; the heart of a tradition.
8 strokes On reading シュウ、ソウ (shuu, sou) Kun reading むね (mune) JLPT N1
Dictionary meanings: religion, sect, denomination, main point, origin
Readings used for names on Nazuke: shuu, so, sou, mune
In Japan it appears in about 547 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, in both boys’ and girls’ names.
origin
The origin and the beginning; full of energy.
4 strokes On reading ゲン、ガン (gen, gan) Kun reading もと (moto) JLPT N3
Dictionary meanings: beginning, former time, origin
Readings used for names on Nazuke: gen, moto
In Japan it appears in about 508 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, in both boys’ and girls’ names.
Thinking of a tattoo? A single kanji like these is meaningful on its own, but ask a native speaker to check the exact form and stroke order before you commit.
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