源泉

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The noun 源泉 (げんせん) can be a physical hot-spring source or a figurative source of activity or creativity.
• Basic usage: Curiosity may 源泉になる for creative work, while a map can mark the location of an actual spring.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A physical spring and a figurative source
  • Do not restrict it to water; context shows what originates from the source.