原 (yuán) is a character that speaks to origins and beginnings. Its structure hints at its connection to the natural world and the source of things.

Here’s a breakdown:

• 厂 (hàn): This component, resembling a cliff or a precipice, originally depicted a steep slope or a cliff face. It symbolizes a source or starting point, like a spring emerging from a cliff.
• 泉 (quán): This component means “spring” or “fountain.” It depicts water flowing from the ground, representing a source of water and life.

Combining these elements, the original meaning of 原 likely depicted a spring gushing from a cliff face, symbolizing the source or origin of a water source. This imagery emphasizes the beginning point and the natural flow of things.

Over time, the meaning of 原 expanded to encompass various aspects of origins:

• Source: This refers to the origin or starting point of something, like the source of a river or the source of information.
• Original: This indicates something in its initial or unaltered state, like the original version of a document.
• Plain: This meaning likely arose from the image of a flat area at the foot of a cliff, representing a level or open space.
• To forgive: This less common meaning might be connected to the idea of returning to the “original” state of harmony or understanding.

The character 原 is used in various contexts related to origins and sources:

• 原来 (yuánlái): Originally, as it turns out
• 原因 (yuányīn): Reason, cause
• 草原 (cǎoyuán): Grassland, prairie
• 原谅 (yuánliàng): To forgive

The evolution of 原 from a depiction of a spring to a character representing various aspects of origins demonstrates the dynamic nature of the Chinese writing system. Its structure reminds us of the importance of understanding the source and beginning of things, whether it’s a physical source like a spring or a metaphorical source like the origin of an idea.