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This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

基

Reading

Kana: き
Romaji: ki
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

noun
1

group

(Chemistry term)
See also: 官能基
2

(free) radical

See also: 遊離基
ctr
3

counter for installed or mounted objects (e.g. stone lanterns, gravestones, satellites)

Kanji

基
Readings: キ、 もと、 もとい
Meanings: fundamentals, radical (chem), counter for machines, foundation

Example Sentences

口(くち)は災(わざわ)いの元(もと)。
➥Out of the mouth comes evil.
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浪費(ろうひ)は欠乏(けつぼう)のもと。
➥Waste makes want.
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失敗(しっぱい)は成功(せいこう)のもと。
➥We learn by trial and error.
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これは基本(きほん)です。
➥These are the ABCs.
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怠惰(たいだ)は悪徳(あくとく)のもと。
➥Idle hands are the devil's tool.
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税金(ぜいきん)は収入(しゅうにゅう)に基(もと)づく。
➥Taxation is based on income.
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基

Reading

Kana: もとい
Romaji: motoi
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

noun
1

basis; foundation

Note: archaism
2

cause

Kanji

基
Readings: キ、 もと、 もとい
Meanings: fundamentals, radical (chem), counter for machines, foundation

Example Sentences

口(くち)は災(わざわ)いの元(もと)。
➥Out of the mouth comes evil.
Full Entry➤
浪費(ろうひ)は欠乏(けつぼう)のもと。
➥Waste makes want.
Full Entry➤
失敗(しっぱい)は成功(せいこう)のもと。
➥We learn by trial and error.
Full Entry➤
これは基本(きほん)です。
➥These are the ABCs.
Full Entry➤
怠惰(たいだ)は悪徳(あくとく)のもと。
➥Idle hands are the devil's tool.
Full Entry➤
税金(ぜいきん)は収入(しゅうにゅう)に基(もと)づく。
➥Taxation is based on income.
Full Entry➤
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元

本、 素、 基

Reading

Kana: もと
Romaji: moto
Kana
Romaji

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?
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お元気(げんき)で！
➥Good luck to you!
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元気(げんき)ないね。
➥You seem to be a little under the weather.
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元気(げんき)でね。
➥Good luck.
Full Entry➤
元気(げんき)出(だ)して。
➥Cheer up!
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元気(げんき)ですか。
➥How are you doing?
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