Writing
起源 (qǐ yuán) — how to say "origin" in Chinese
起源
Origin, to originate
verb · noun
Character composition
起
to rise, to start
源
source, origin
Radicals / Keys
水
Water
#85 · shuǐ · 4 strokes
走
Run
#156 · zǒu · 7 strokes
Synonyms
Collocations
起源于中国
qǐ yuán yú Zhōng guó
originate in China
文化起源
wén huà qǐ yuán
origin of culture
生命起源
shēng mìng qǐ yuán
origin of life
Examples
这个古老的传统起源于几百年前。
This ancient tradition originated several hundred years ago.
生命的起源
The origin of life.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say "origin" in Chinese?
"origin" in Chinese is 起源 (qǐ yuán).
起源 meaning in English
起源 (qǐ yuán) means "Origin, to originate".
How is 起源 pronounced?
It is pronounced qǐ yuán (written as qi yuan, qiyuan). You can listen to the pronunciation on this page.
How do you write "origin" in Chinese characters?
It is written 起源: 起 has 10 strokes, 源 has 13 strokes. The Writing section above animates the stroke order of each character and lets you trace it.
What HSK level is 起源?
起源 belongs to the HSK 6 vocabulary list.
Tomyo
Learn Chinese words with spaced repetition
Add 起源 to your vocabulary and remember it with smart reviews, audio and examples.
More HSK 6 words
格局
gé jú
Structure, layout, pattern
成员
chéng yuán
Member (of a family, organization)
首要
shǒu yào
Primary, foremost, most important
招收
zhāo shōu
To recruit, to enroll (students)
联络
lián luò
Contact, to get in touch
通讯
tōng xùn
Communication, correspondence
搭
dā
To build; to take (transportation)
运算
yùn suàn
To calculate, mathematical operation