noun
original work; the original
Refers to the original text, book, or publication as opposed to a translation, adaptation, or commentary. Common in academic and literary contexts.
この論文を理解するには、原著を読む必要がある。
To understand this paper, you need to read the original work.
翻訳ではなく、原著で読むのが好きだ。
I prefer to read the original rather than a translation.
Compound of 原 (original) and 著 (work/writing). The reading げんちょ is the standard on'yomi combination.