nguyên

Nguyên is a Vietnamese word that can function as both a noun and an adjective. As an adjective, it denotes something original, native, or fundamental, as in nguyên bản (original), nguyên thủy (primitive), or nguyên tắc (principle). As a noun, it can mean origin or source, especially in phrases such as nguyên nhân (cause) or nguyên do (the reason). The word also appears in many compound terms referring to components or constituents, for example nguyên liệu (materials, ingredients) and nguyên tố (chemical element or mathematical prime in appropriate contexts).

The term originates from Sino-Vietnamese 元 (nguyên), meaning origin or source. It has remained productive in modern Vietnamese, appearing in everyday vocabulary, technical terms, and names.

In specialized usage, Vietnamese distinguishes different senses. In mathematics, số nguyên means integer, and số nguyên tố denotes a prime number. In chemistry, nguyên tố refers to an element. In philosophy or literature, nguyên can reinforce concepts of essence or fundamental nature, as in nguyên lý or nguyên nhân.

Nguyên is a common Vietnamese given name; it may stand alone or appear as the first element of a two-syllable given name.

See also Vietnamese language and Sino-Vietnamese vocabulary.