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.
自分のルーツを探る。
To explore one's roots.
この料理のルーツは中国にある。
The origins of this dish are in China.
祖父は沖縄の出身で、私の家族のルーツは沖縄にある。
My grandfather is from Okinawa, so my family's roots are in Okinawa.
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.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ルーツを探る/辿る: to trace one's roots
- 〜のルーツ: the roots/origins of ~
- 家族のルーツ: family roots