(běn lái) - originally, at first in Mandarin
běnláiTraditional: 本來
Translation
originally, at first
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Word origin
A two-character word: 本 'root, origin' (a tree 木 with a stroke marking its base) plus 来 'to come'. Together 本来 means originally or at the outset.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 本 (origin) + 来 (come)
Stroke order
本
来
Examples
。
I originally wanted to go.
。
The plan was simple at first.
。
It was never your fault to begin with.
。
I had originally planned to sleep early.
。
Originally there was a match today.
本来 (běn lái) means originally or at first.
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
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Mandarin · Free printables
本来: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "本来" (originally, at first): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
This word is taught in chapter 10, lesson 5: 本来, 昨天, 完美 and 7 more words.