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本来

HSK 5
  • Time

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Subject本来Verb / Verb phrase / Adjective

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

本来 is used to indicate a situation that was originally a certain way but has since changed, or something that is a matter of course.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

The adverb 本来 has two main meanings:

  1. Originally, at first: Describes a situation or intention that was true in the past but has since changed. Often used together with 但是 or 后来 to indicate that change.
  2. Naturally, as a matter of course: Emphasizes that something is reasonable or should rightly be so. In this usage, it asserts an obvious fact, and is often paired with 就 to form 本来就.

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 他本来住在这里。
    繁: 他本來住在這裡。Tā běnlái zhù zài zhèlǐ.

    He originally lived here.

  2. 我本来想买这本书。
    繁: 我本來想買這本書。Wǒ běnlái xiǎng mǎi zhè běn shū.

    I originally intended to buy this book.

  3. 这件事本来很简单。
    繁: 這件事本來很簡單。Zhè jiàn shì běnlái hěn jiǎndān.

    This matter was originally quite simple.

  4. 学习本来就很辛苦。
    繁: 學習本來就很辛苦。Xuéxí běnlái jiù hěn xīnkǔ.

    Learning is inherently difficult.

  5. 帮助朋友本来就应该。
    繁: 幫助朋友本來就應該。Bāngzhù péngyou běnlái jiù yīnggāi.

    Helping friends is something one should do.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:我学习汉语本来。
    Correct:我本来学习汉语。

    本来 is an adverb and must come before the verb or adjective it modifies.

  • Wrong:我本来是学生。
    Correct:我是学生。

    Use 本来 only when a situation has changed. If you are still a student, there is no need to use 本来.

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