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源 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
源
yuán
root
HSK 5, ng, 13 strokes, radical 氵, rank #5391, Hard
源
yuán
source
HSK 5, ng, 13 strokes, radical 氵, rank #5391, Hard
源
yuán
origin
HSK 5, ng, 13 strokes, radical 氵, rank #5391, Hard
源
yuán
spring; source, root, head; surname
HSK 5, ng, 13 strokes, radical 氵, rank #5391, Hard
yuán(yuan2)yuan T2
1root
2source
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March 24, 2026
源yuán(yuan2)
The character 源 (yuán) refers to a source or origin, often used to denote the beginning point of something, such as a river or an idea. It commonly appears in contexts related to water or where something flows from, symbolizing the foundational aspect of various concepts.
Strokes13Radical氵Frequency#5391DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, rivers are often seen as sources of life and history, and the term 源 can also relate to philosophical discussions about the origins of thoughts and traditions, reflecting the deep connection between water and life in Chinese symbolism.
Memory tip
Imagine a river flowing from its 'source' (源). The character has the water radical (氵) on the left, symbolizing water, and the right side '员' (yuán) can be thought of as a person standing at the edge of the source, watching the water flow. This imagery helps connect the character to its meaning.
Meanings of 源
yuán(yuan2)
1root
2source
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
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About 源
源Simplified
13Strokes
氵Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#5391Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5
Podcast: 源
Podcast: 源
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AI study notes for 源
Quick Contrast
源 (source) vs 根 (root) — use 源 when referring to the origin of something that flows or begins, while 根 emphasizes the foundational or underlying part.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 源 (yuán) with 原 (yuán), which means 'original' or 'primary.' While both share the same pronunciation, their meanings differ significantly. This character is often used in formal contexts, such as academic writing or discussions about origins.
HSK Study Tips
Although 源 is not categorized under a specific HSK level, it connects well with other HSK vocabulary that involves nature or origins, such as 河 (hé, river) and 起源 (qǐyuán, origin). Students should focus on recognizing its usage in compound words and phrases.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 源 (yuán) with 原 (yuán) due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '这个想法的原是……' is incorrect; the correct phrase should be '这个想法的源是……' which means 'The source of this idea is...'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 源
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源 = 氵 + 原. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 源
IDS Structure⿰氵原
源Full character
=
氵shui3
left
原Yuan2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 源?
How to say root in Chinese
“root” in Chinese is源yuán
The character 源 (yuán) refers to a source or origin, often used to denote the beginning point of something, such as a river or an idea. It commonly appears in contexts related to water or where something flows from, symbolizing the foundational aspect of various concepts.
When to use 源
Be careful not to confuse 源 (yuán) with 原 (yuán), which means 'original' or 'primary.' While both share the same pronunciation, their meanings differ significantly. This character is often used in formal contexts, such as academic writing or discussions about origins.
源 or something close to it
源 (source) vs 根 (root) — use 源 when referring to the origin of something that flows or begins, while 根 emphasizes the foundational or underlying part.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 源 (yuán) with 原 (yuán) due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '这个想法的原是……' is incorrect; the correct phrase should be '这个想法的源是……' which means 'The source of this idea is...'.
Write 源
源
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Grammar patterns of 源
源 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Their health-care system suffers from queues, shortages and ropey equipment.
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Word Family of 源
Words containing this character20
资源zīyuánresource (such as manpower or tourism)資源
来源láiyuánorigin來源
能源néngyuánenergy
源yuánroot
电源diànyuánelectric power source電源
源头yuántóusource源頭
源自yuánzìto originate from
水源shuǐyuánwater source
源于yuányúhas its origins in源於
根源gēnyuánorigin
起源qǐyuánorigin
源泉yuánquánfountainhead
来源于láiyuányúto originate in來源於
人力资源rénlìzīyuánhuman resources人力資源
货源huòyuánsupply of goods貨源
源源不断yuányuánbúduàna steady flow (idiom); an unending stream源源不斷
财源cáiyuánfinancial resources財源
渊源yuānyuánorigin淵源
光源guāngyuánlight source
发源地fāyuándìplace of origin發源地
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 源
What does 资源 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 源
Yes, 源 (yuán) and 根 (gēn) both refer to 'root' but have different connotations. 源 emphasizes the source or origin of something, while 根 refers more to the physical root or foundation of a plant. Understanding the context will help you choose the correct term.
Common phrases that include 源 (yuán) are '资源' (zīyuán), meaning 'resources,' and '源泉' (yuánquán), which means 'spring' or 'fountain' in a metaphorical sense. These phrases emphasize the idea of origin and source in different contexts.
源 (yuán) can be used in sentences to indicate the source or origin of something. For example, you can say '这条河的源头在山里' (Zhè tiáo hé de yuántóu zài shānlǐ), which means 'The source of this river is in the mountains.' It is often used in both formal and informal contexts.
源 (yuán) means 'source' or 'origin' in Chinese. It can refer to the root of something, such as the source of a river or the origin of an idea. In various contexts, it can also imply the foundation or starting point of something.
You can say '这条河的源头在山上' which means 'The source of this river is in the mountains.'
Yes, 源 can refer to abstract sources, such as the source of an idea or a problem.
It's more common in written or formal contexts, rather than casual spoken language.
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