本子

• Pinyin: běn zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 本 (book, origin) + 子 (noun suffix) — a blank book for writing

Meaning

Notebook; exercise book. A book with blank or lined pages for writing.

Refers to any type of notebook, including school exercise books, writing pads, and journals. A common school supply item. Distinguished from 书 (book, which has printed content) — 本子 has blank pages for the user to write on.

Examples

1. 我的本子在书包里。 My notebook is in my schoolbag.
2. 请打开你的本子。 Please open your notebook.
3. 我买了一个新本子。 I bought a new notebook.

Usage Guide

Context: school, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 把作业写在本子上。(Write the homework in your notebook.)
• 你的本子真好看。(Your notebook is really nice.)

Don't Say

• 一个本子书 (Don't combine 本子 with 书 — they are different things: 本子 is blank, 书 has content)

Origin & History

Compound of 本 (measure word for bound items) and 子 (noun suffix). Adding 子 creates a noun referring to a small bound book with blank pages.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal