What does 元 mean?
元 is a Japanese noun meaning “origin” or “original state” in English. It can also be translated as “former” or “ex-” depending on context. It is written as 元 in kanji, もと in hiragana, and moto in romaji. This word is part of JLPT N3 vocabulary.
Example sentences
使ったら元の場所に戻してください。
Please put it back where it was after you use it.
彼は元警察官だ。
He's a former police officer.