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:
- 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. - 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)
- 他本来住在这里。繁: 他本來住在這裡。Tā běnlái zhù zài zhèlǐ.
He originally lived here.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.