根源 gēnyuán origin
origin; root (cause)
How to remember 根源: 根 measure word for long, thin things + 源 spring = origin.
Characters
How it is used
- 'Root cause, origin' - 问题的根源 (wèntí de gēnyuán) the root of the problem.
- Points to the fundamental source from which something grows.
- Deeper than 原因 (yuányīn, reason/cause); 根源 is the underlying, originating cause.
Example sentences
- 我无法找到问题的根源。 Wǒ wúfǎ zhǎodào wèntí de gēnyuán.I can't locate the source of the problem.