(yuán lái) - originally, as it turned out, so in Mandarin
yuánláiTraditional: 原來
Translation
originally, as it turned out, so
Word origin
A compound of 原 (yuán, 'origin, original') and 来 (lái, 'to come'), meaning 'originally, as it turns out'. 原 depicts a spring of water 泉 issuing from a cliff 厂; 来 originally pictured an ear of wheat.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 原 (yuán, 'origin'; spring under a cliff) + 来 (lái, 'to come'; originally wheat)
Stroke order
原
来
Examples
！
So you are here!
。
So that is how it is.
。
He was originally an actor.
。
So you are here as well.
。
So it was you who called.
原来 (yuán lái) means originally, as it turned out, so. It is used as an adverb in everyday Mandarin speech.
Where this fits
Used in
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原来: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "原来" (originally, as it turned out, so): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 17.