The Meaning of genri [原理] In Japanese

原理
げんり
Romaji: genri N3

What does 原理 mean?

Translation and Meaning

principle, fundamental principle

Definition

原理 means the fundamental rule or mechanism that explains how something works, serving as the core concept behind a process, system, or phenomenon. It is used in science, engineering, philosophy, and everyday reasoning to describe the principle that governs behavior or operation.

Type

noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • the underlying rule or mechanism that explains how something works (genri)
  • the fundamental assumption or axiom used as the basis for a theory or argument (gensoku)
  • the core principle behind a process or technology, often described as the principle of operation (genri)
  • 第一原理 daiichigenri, the notion of first principles used as foundational reasoning

Origin

The term entered Japanese through Sino-Japanese vocabulary from Classical Chinese, appearing in philosophical and scientific writings and becoming common in modern academic language during the Meiji period as Japan modernized and adopted Western science terms.

Composition

  • 原 means origin, base or primitive foundation
  • 理 means reason, logic, or rational principle
  • the combination conveys a fundamental rule derived from underlying reasoning

Usage

Used in formal and technical contexts to denote the fundamental rule behind a process; phrases include 原理を〜する and 第一原理 referring to first principles; common in textbooks, papers, and lectures, with nuance depending on whether discussing natural laws, logical reasoning, or theoretical foundations.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: picture a sturdy base (原) supporting a logical framework (理); when you remember the base is there first, you can derive the principle that governs the system.

Variations

  • 法則 (ほうそく, housoku) — rule, law
  • 原則 (げんそく, gensoku) — principle, guideline
  • 理論 (りろん, riron) — theory
  • 第一原理 (だいいちげんり, daiichigenri) — first principle

Example Phrases

  • 今日は 授業で 原理を 詳しく 学び、 面白かった。
    Kyou wa jugyou de genri o kuwashiku manabi, omoshirokatta.
    Today in class I learned the principle in detail, and it was interesting.
    Lista:
    • 今日は (Kyou wa) – today
    • 授業で (jugyou de) – in class
    • 原理を (genri o) – the principle
    • 詳しく (kuwashiku) – in detail
    • 学び、 (manabi,) – learned,
    • 面白かった。 (omoshirokatta) – was interesting
    The noun for ‘principle’ is 「原理」; here it functions as the object of 学ぶ, and 授業で marks the setting ‘in class’, while 詳しく describes the manner of learning.
原理