源于／源自
to originate from; to stem from
Structure
A ＋ 源于／源自 ＋ 来源
What it means
“To originate from, stem from”: 源 “source” + 于 or 自 “from”, saying where a custom, word, tune or feeling comes from.
How it is built
A + 源于／源自 + source (noun): 乐曲的主题源自越剧唱腔 (the piece’s themes come from Yue opera melodies). For an abstract cause: 他的自信源于平时的准备.
When to use it
源自 leans to concrete origins (a place, work, tradition); 源于 can also give the deeper cause of something abstract. Both are written: speeches, programme notes. In speech say 来自 or 是从……来的.
Watch out
Don’t double “from”: ✗ 源于从越剧 (源自于 is often seen, but editors cut 于). With 来源, keep 于: ✗ 来源越剧 ✓ 来源于越剧; alone, 来源 is the noun “source”.
Examples
乐曲的主题源自越剧唱腔。
The themes of the piece come from the melodies of Yue opera.
端午节吃粽子的习俗，相传源于人们对屈原的纪念。
The custom of eating zongzi at the Dragon Boat Festival is said to come from people’s remembrance of Qu Yuan.
他的自信源于平时一点一滴的准备。
His confidence comes from preparing little by little, day in, day out.
Learn this in Lesson 242 · HSK 9+: 《梁祝》小提琴协奏曲 (The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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