本来 (expressing 'originally')
Meaning
The word 本来 (běnlái) means 'originally' or 'was supposed to' and is used to describe an original plan, state, or intention that has since changed. It implies a contrast between what was expected and what actually happened.
Unlike 原来 in its revelation sense, 本来 always refers to a prior state or plan that was later altered or disrupted. It almost always appears with a contrasting clause introduced by 但是, 可是, 后来, or 结果, creating a 'was going to... but then...' structure. 本来 can be followed by 是, 要, 会, or 应该 to specify the nature of the original expectation. It can also be used without contrast to emphasize something's inherent nature (本来就), meaning 'has always been' or 'was... to begin with.' The word carries an undertone of mild regret or resignation about the change from the original plan.
Examples
- 我本来想今天去公园，可是突然下雨了。 I originally wanted to go to the park today, but it suddenly rained.
- 她本来要买那条裙子的，但是太贵了。 She was going to buy that dress, but it was too expensive.
- 我们本来应该六点出发，结果迟到了半小时。 We were supposed to leave at six, but ended up being half an hour late.
Usage Guide
Context: spoken, written, everyday
Tone: contrastive
Do Say
- 他本来打算坐火车去，后来改成了飞机。
- 我本来不想告诉你，但是你一直问。
- 这个问题本来很简单，是你想太多了。
- 她本来是要学医的，可是后来选了法律。
Don't Say
- 我本来去了超市。(本来 implies a contrast with what actually happened — without 但是 or a contrasting clause, the sentence is incomplete) → 我本来想去超市，但是没有时间。
- 本来他是老师了。(本来 describes a prior state that changed — adding 了 implies the situation is current, which contradicts the meaning of 本来) → 他本来是老师，后来换了工作。
Origin & History
本来 literally means 'original coming' (本 = root/origin, 来 = come). It emphasizes the root state or starting point of a situation. The word has been used to express 'originally' or 'inherently' since classical Chinese.
Cultural Context
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Related Phrases
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