元

本、 素、 基

Reading

Kana: もと

Romaji: moto

Definitions

noun

1

origin; source

Note: usu. 元

2

base; basis; foundation; root

Note: esp. 基

3

cause

Note: also 因, 原

4

ingredient; material

Note: esp. 素

5

(somebody's) side; (somebody's) location

Note: Only 元

6

original cost (or capital, principal, etc.)

7

(plant) root; (tree) trunk

8

first section of a waka

See also: 和歌

ctr

9

counter for blades of grass, tree trunks, etc., and for falcons (in falconry)

Note: Only 本

noun

10

handle (chopsticks, brush, etc.); grip

Kanji

元

Readings: ゲン、 ガン、 もと

Meanings: beginning, former time, origin

本

Readings: ホン、 もと

Meanings: book, present, main, origin, true, real, counter for long cylindrical things

素

Readings: ソ、 ス、 もと

Meanings: elementary, principle, naked, uncovered

基

Readings: キ、 もと、 もとい

Meanings: fundamentals, radical (chem), counter for machines, foundation

Example Sentences

元気(げんき)？

➥How are you?

お元気(げんき)で！

➥Good luck to you!

元気(げんき)ないね。

➥You seem to be a little under the weather.

元気(げんき)でね。

➥Good luck.

元気(げんき)出(だ)して。

➥Cheer up!

元気(げんき)ですか。

➥How are you doing?