元

もと

• Noun

  common noun
  1. origin; source.

     usu. 元

  2. base; basis; foundation; root.

     esp. 基

  3. cause.

     also 因, 原

  4. ingredient; material.

     esp. 素

  5. (somebody's) side; (somebody's) location (only 元).
  6. original cost (or capital, principal, etc.).
  7. (plant) root; (tree) trunk.
  8. first section of a waka.

     See also 和歌 .

  9. handle (chopsticks, brush, etc.); grip.

• Counter
  1. counter for blades of grass, tree trunks, etc., and for falcons (in falconry) (only 本).