温泉

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 温泉, read おんせん, combines warm 温 with spring 泉 as the name of a natural hot spring.
• Basic usage: 山の温泉 can denote a naturally heated spring or the bathing facility using it.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Distinguishing meanings
  • 温泉の湯気 points toward the hot water itself, while 温泉へ行く can mean the facility or resort area; use context to determine scope.