起源 qǐyuán origin
origin; to originate; to come from
How to remember 起源: 起 rise up + 源 spring = origin.
Characters
How it is used
- Origin / to originate from - 生命的起源 (shēngmìng de qǐyuán) the origin of life.
- Both noun and verb: 起源于中国 (qǐyuán yú Zhōngguó) originated in China; about where something first came from.
- Contrast 来源 (láiyuán, source of supply, e.g. income); 起源 is the historical/genetic beginning.
Example sentences
- 奥林匹克的起源是什么？ Àolínpǐkè de qǐyuán shì shénme?What are the origins of the Olympics?