源泉 yuánquán fountainhead
fountainhead; well-spring; water source; figuratively origin
How to remember 源泉: 源 spring + 泉 water spring = fountainhead.
Characters
How it is used
- Means a wellspring/fountainhead, mostly figurative - 力量的源泉 (lìliang de yuánquán) the source of strength.
- Used for abstract sources of energy, inspiration, joy - 知识是力量的源泉 (knowledge is the wellspring of power).
- More metaphorical/literary than 源头; it's the nourishing origin of something intangible.
Example sentences
- 水是生命的源泉。 Shuǐshì shēngmìng de yuánquán.Life cannot exist without water.