元
N3もと
本素基
[moto]
Definitions
1.noun (common) (futsuumeishi)
origin; source; beginning
2.noun (common) (futsuumeishi)
basis; base; foundation; root
3.noun (common) (futsuumeishi)
cause
4.noun (common) (futsuumeishi)
(raw) material; ingredient; base; mix (e.g. for a cake); (soup) stock
5.noun (common) (futsuumeishi)
(one's) side
6.noun (common) (futsuumeishi)
capital; principal; cost price
7.noun (common) (futsuumeishi)
root (of a plant); (tree) trunk
8.noun (common) (futsuumeishi)
part (of a brush, chopsticks, etc.) one holds (with the hand)
10.counter
counter for plants or trees
Less common meanings (2)
9.noun (common) (futsuumeishi)Jargon
first three lines of a waka
11.counterHistorical
counter for falcons (in falconry)
Other Readings
「元」 has other readings with different meanings.
Example Sentences
使い終わったら元の場所に戻してね。
Please return it to its original place.
問題の元を探す必要があります。
We need to find the root of the problem.
元気の元は良い睡眠と運動ですね。
The source of energy is good sleep.