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来源 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
来源láiyuánsource (of information etc)HSK 5, n, 20 strokes, rank #3511, Hard
来源láiyuánoriginHSK 5, n, 20 strokes, rank #3511, Hard
láiyuán(lai2yuan2)lai yuan T2
  1. 1source (of information etc)
  2. 2origin
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March 24, 2026

来源(來源)láiyuán(lai2yuan2)

The term '来源' refers to the source or origin of something, particularly in contexts involving information or data. It is commonly used in academic, journalistic, and everyday conversations to indicate where information comes from or how it originated.

Strokes20Frequency#3511DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the credibility of information sources is highly valued, especially in academic and media contexts. Citing reliable sources ('来源') is crucial for maintaining trust and authority.

Memory tip

Imagine a river (源) flowing from a mountain (来). The river represents the source of information, and the mountain represents its origin. Together, '来源' can remind you of where knowledge flows from.

Meanings of 来源

láiyuán(lai2yuan2)
1source (of information etc)
2origin
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 来源

来源Simplified
來源Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3511Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 来源

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Podcast: 来源

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AI study notes for 来源

Quick Contrast

来源 (source) vs 根源 (root cause) — use 来源 for general sources of information, while 根源 emphasizes the fundamental cause behind an issue.

Usage Notes

Be cautious about using '来源' in informal contexts, as it is more suitable for formal discussions. Common collocations include '信息来源' (source of information) and '资金来源' (source of funds). Remember that it requires the second tone for both characters.

HSK Study Tips

'来源' is a Level 6 HSK word, connecting with other HSK 6 terms related to data and analysis, such as '数据' (data) and '分析' (analysis). Focus on understanding its usage in research and reporting contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '来源' with '理由' (reason). For example, saying '来源是我喜欢' (the source is I like) is incorrect; it should be '理由是我喜欢' (the reason is I like).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 来源

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Component characters

来láito come
HSK 17 strokes木
View full entry
源yuánroot
HSK 513 strokes氵
View full entry

How to say source (of information etc) in Chinese

“source (of information etc)” in Chinese is来源láiyuán

The term '来源' refers to the source or origin of something, particularly in contexts involving information or data. It is commonly used in academic, journalistic, and everyday conversations to indicate where information comes from or how it originated.

When to use 来源

Be cautious about using '来源' in informal contexts, as it is more suitable for formal discussions. Common collocations include '信息来源' (source of information) and '资金来源' (source of funds). Remember that it requires the second tone for both characters.

来源 or something close to it

来源 (source) vs 根源 (root cause) — use 来源 for general sources of information, while 根源 emphasizes the fundamental cause behind an issue.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '来源' with '理由' (reason). For example, saying '来源是我喜欢' (the source is I like) is incorrect; it should be '理由是我喜欢' (the reason is I like).

Write 来源

来
源

Practice writing 来源 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 来源

来源 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 2 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

我们从可靠的消息____获知索尼娅非常爱自己的家人。

Sonia, we are reliably informed, loves her family very much.

Example sentences for 来源 (4)

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1
我们从可靠的消息来源获知索尼娅非常爱自己的家人。

wǒmen cóng kěkào de xiāoxi láiyuán huò zhī Suǒ ní yà fēicháng ài zìjǐ de jiārén。

Sonia, we are reliably informed, loves her family very much.
2
创作这本书的想法来源于跟菲莉帕·布鲁斯特的谈话。

chuàngzuò zhè běn shū de xiǎngfǎ láiyuányú gēn fēi lì pà· bù Lǔ Sī tè de tánhuà。

The idea for this book grew out of conversations with Philippa Brewster.
3
别相信别人告诉你的话,用独立的信息来源再核实一遍。

bié xiāngxìn biérén gàosu nǐ dehuà, yòng dúlì de xìnxī láiyuán zài héshí yī biàn。

Don'tbelieve what you are told; double-check with an independent source.
4
商业用蔗糖有两个主要来源 —— 甜甘蔗和制糖甜菜.

shāngyè yòng zhè táng yǒu liǎng gè zhǔyào láiyuán —— tián Gān zhè hé zhì táng tián cài.

There are two principal sources of commercial sucrose - sugar cane and sugar beets.

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Frequently asked questions about 来源

'来源' refers to the source or origin of information, while '来源地' specifically indicates the physical location or place of that source.

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