原来

HSK 3

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

1. (It turns out): 原来Clause. 2. (Originally): Subject原来Predicate.

原来 expresses surprise upon discovering the truth (it turns out that), or indicates a past state (originally/used to be).

原来 has two main, very common meanings:

So it turns out, it turns out that: Used when you discover a new truth, usually surprising and contrary to what you previously thought. It expresses an "aha!" moment.
Originally, at first: Used to describe a state or situation in the past that has since changed. It creates a contrast between "back then" and "now."

我到处找你，原来你在这里！
繁: 我到處找你，原來你在這裡！Wǒ dàochù zhǎo nǐ, yuánlái nǐ zài zhèlǐ!
I've been looking for you everywhere, and here you are!
原来是他，我还以为是谁呢。
繁: 原來是他，我還以為是誰呢。Yuánlái shì tā, wǒ hái yǐwéi shì shéi ne.
So it was him all along; I was wondering who it was.
他说他是老师，原来是骗人的。
繁: 他說他是老師，原來是騙人的。Tā shuō tā shì lǎoshī, yuánlái shì piànrén de.
He said he was a teacher, but it turned out to be a lie.
他原来住在这里，现在搬走了。
繁: 他原來住在這裡，現在搬走了。Tā yuánlái zhù zài zhèlǐ, xiànzài bān zǒu le.
He originally lived here, but he has moved away now.
这栋楼原来的样子不是这样。
繁: 這棟樓原來的樣子不是這樣。Zhè dòng lóu yuánlái de yàngzi bú shì zhèyàng.
This building's original appearance was not like this.

Wrong:他是原来学生。
Correct:他原来是学生。
When used as an adverb, 原来 comes before the verb. To modify a noun, use the structure 原来的 + noun.
Wrong:我原来要去北京。
Correct:我本来要去北京。
原来 is not used for changed future plans; in this case, 本来 (originally intended) is more accurate.