源流(げんりゅう)

げんりゅう
noun
headwaters; origin, source
geography
1. headwaters, source of a river
The place where a river begins, the uppermost part of a stream before it joins other waterways.
川(かわ)の源流(げんりゅう)を目指(めざ)す。
To head for the headwaters of the river.
源流(げんりゅう)の水(みず)は冷(つめ)たくて澄(す)んでいた。
The water at the headwaters was cold and clear.
登山(とざん)の途中(とちゅう)で源流(げんりゅう)にたどり着(つ)いた。
During the mountain climb, we reached the headwaters.
2. origin, source, root
The original source or foundation from which something developed. Used figuratively for the origins of a culture, tradition, school of thought, or art form.
日本(にほん)文化(ぶんか)の源流(げんりゅう)をたどる。
To trace the origins of Japanese culture.
この思想(しそう)の源流(げんりゅう)は古代(こだい)ギリシャにある。
The origin of this philosophy lies in ancient Greece.
現代(げんだい)アートの源流(げんりゅう)をたどると、印象派(いんしょうは)にたどり着(つ)く。
If you trace modern art to its source, you arrive at Impressionism.

Usage

The literal sense (headwaters) is used in geography and outdoor activities. The figurative sense (origin) is more common in writing and intellectual discussion, where it describes tracing something back to its roots.

The verb たどる (to trace, to follow) frequently collocates with 源流(げんりゅう) in both senses.

Common collocations

  • 源流(げんりゅう)をたどる: to trace to the source/origin
  • 源流(げんりゅう)域(いき): headwater area
  • 文化(ぶんか)の源流(げんりゅう): the origins of a culture
  • 源流(げんりゅう)釣(つ)り: headwater fishing

Related Words

Related: 源泉(げんせん) (source, wellspring)
Related: 水源(すいげん) (water source, headwaters)
Compare: 支流(しりゅう) (tributary)
Related: 河口(かこう) (mouth of a river)
Related: 川上(かわかみ) (upstream)
general
Added 2026.2.24 19:36 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
13000/13359_genryuu