ルーツ
るーつ
noun
roots, origins
1.
roots, origins, ancestry
The origin or source of something, especially a person's ancestral or cultural background. Also used for the historical origins of customs, foods, or cultural phenomena.
Usage
ルーツ is always plural in form (from English "roots") and carries a sense of deep, foundational origins. It is commonly used when discussing family heritage, cultural background, or the historical source of a tradition or phenomenon.
The Japanese word 起源 overlaps in meaning but is more formal and academic. ルーツ has a warmer, more personal connotation, especially when talking about family or cultural identity.