原始(げんし)

げんし
noun / no-adjective
primitive, primeval
1. primitive, primeval, prehistoric
Relating to the earliest period of human or natural history; in an original or undeveloped state.
原始(げんし)時代(じだい)の人(ひと)は洞窟(どうくつ)に住(す)んでいた。
Primitive people lived in caves.
この島(しま)には原始(げんし)の森(もり)が残(のこ)っている。
Primeval forests remain on this island.
原始(げんし)的な生活(せいかつ)に戻(もど)ることは難(むずか)しい。
It's difficult to return to a primitive lifestyle.

原始(げんし) refers to something primitive, primeval, or in its original state. It often describes prehistoric times or undeveloped conditions.

Common compounds:

  • 原始(げんし)時代(じだい) (primitive era, prehistoric times)
  • 原始(げんし)人(じん) (primitive man)
  • 原始的(げんしてき) (primitive, in a primitive manner)
  • 原始(げんし)林(りん) (primeval forest)

Note: Can be read as げんし or げんじ, with げんし being more common.

Homophone: 原子(げんし) (atom) - different kanji, different meaning

general
Added 2026.1.13 20:15 · Revised 2026.2.2 22:37
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