1.
root; source; origin; fundamental cause
The deepest, most fundamental origin or cause of something. Often used for abstract concepts like problems, power, or life.
問題の根源を探る。
To investigate the root of the problem.
悪の根源を断たなければならない。
We must cut off the root of evil.
争いの根源は、資源の不足にあると言われている。
The root cause of conflict is said to lie in resource scarcity.
A formal word that emphasizes the deepest, most fundamental level of causation or origin. Often used in philosophical, analytical, or problem-solving contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 根源を探る: to seek the root cause
- 根源を断つ: to eliminate the root cause
- 根源にある: to lie at the root of
- 根源的: fundamental, radical (adjective form)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 原因: cause — more general and everyday
- 根本: root, foundation — very close in meaning, slightly less formal
- 源: source — can be more concrete (source of a river, etc.)
- 起源: origin — focuses on when/where something began