origin · field

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 原 can mean origin or field; its on-reading is げん and its kun-reading is はら.
• Basic usage: 野原 means an open field and 河原 refers to a riverside area; both words center on a place.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Readings of complete words
  • 野原 is read のはら, and 河原 is read かわら. Do not construct the latter simply by joining separate kun-readings.
• Different places
  • 野原 refers to an open field with grass; 河原 refers to an area beside a river. Distinguish these place meanings from the sense of origin.