bun2 jyun4本源

Jyutpingbun2 jyun4

Yalebún yùhn

名詞

Definition

Origin, source, or root cause.

neutralother

How it's used

Refers to the fundamental root or underlying source of abstract concepts, such as cultural practices, philosophical principles, or systemic issues. It carries a formal and intellectual tone, making it more common in academic or analytical discussions than in casual daily chatter. While it shares the meaning of source, it implies a deeper, more structural beginning compared to everyday words like 源頭.

Examples

nei5你jiu3要wan2搵faan1返gin2件si6事ge3嘅bun2本jyun4源sin1先ho2可ji5以gaai2解kyut3決man6問tai4題。

You need to find the root of the matter before you can solve the problem.

ni1呢go3個cyun4傳tung2統ge3嘅bun2本jyun4源dou3到dai2底hai6係bin1邊dou6度le1呢？

Where exactly is the origin of this tradition?

Common phrases

taam3探gau3究bun2本jyun4源

to investigate the origin

zeoi1追sou3溯bun2本jyun4源

to trace back to the source

Common mistake

Avoid using this word to describe physical sources like a river or a product's origin, as it is reserved for abstract or conceptual roots. For concrete sources, use 源頭 instead.