Quick answer
元 is the kanji for "Origin / Beginning / Former Time". A common reading is もと (moto). You can practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Origin / Beginning / Former Time
Also : Origin · Beginning · Former Time
Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Memory Aid
The kanji 元 represents 'BEGINNING'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of beginning.
On-reading: げん — remember this sound by associating it with beginning. Kun-reading: もと.
Example Sentences
久しぶりに会ったので「お元気ですか？」と聞きました。
ひさしぶりにあったので「おげんきですか？」とききました。
Since we hadn't met in a long time, I asked 'How are you?'
元に戻してください。
もとにもどしてください。
Please put it back to its original state.
Vocabulary using 元
Learn 元 with Spaced Repetition
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