Definition of 元 (もと)

noun
1.
origin, source(usu. 元)
2.
base, basis, foundation, root(esp. 基)
3.
cause(also 因, 原)
4.
ingredient, material(esp. 素)
5.
(somebody's) side, (somebody's) location(only relevant for 元)
6.
original cost (or capital, principal, etc.)
7.
(plant) root, (tree) trunk
8.
first section of a waka
See also:和歌
counter
9.
counter for blades of grass, tree trunks, etc., and for falcons (in falconry)(only relevant for 本)
noun
10.
handle (chopsticks, brush, etc.), grip
Other readings:
本【もと】
、
素【もと】
、
基【もと】
Related Kanji
元 beginning, former time, origin
本 book, present, main, origin, true, real, counter for long cylindrical things
素 elementary, principle, naked, uncovered
基 fundamentals, radical (chem), counter for machines, foundation
Example sentences(showing 1-20 of 76 results)

He compared the copy with the original

What's done cannot be undone

He returned to the country whence he came

わたし
私
うわさ
噂
もと
元
I don't know the origin of the rumor

After using the knife, please be sure to put it back where it was

It is not reasonable to suppose that this rule is applicable under any condition

He persuaded his firm to let him go back to his old job

What is done cannot be undone

The unhappy event made him put an end to himself

Put the book where you found it

さんきゅう
産休
かのじょ
彼女
しごと
仕事
もど
戻った
After her maternity leave, she resumed her old job

He compared the copy with the original

Place this book back where it was

かれ
彼
てがみ
手紙
、
りょうしん
両親
もと
元
いそ
急いだ
He hurried to his parents as soon as he received the letter

Please put it back in its place

Get back to where you started

To get back to my original point, yesterday I sent the report off to Tokyo

かのじょ
彼女
じぶん
自分
もど
戻った
She is her old self again

This film is an adaptation of a novel

わたし
私の
ともだち
友達
けが
怪我
もと
元
My friend died from a wound
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