原

• Pinyin: yuán
• Hanzi breakdown: 原 = 厂 (cliff) + 泉 (spring) simplified, originally depicting a water source

Meaning

Original; former; raw; plain. Indicating the initial or unprocessed state of something.

A very productive adjective/prefix. Common phrases: 原来 (originally, it turns out), 原因 (reason), 原则 (principle), 原料 (raw material), 原文 (original text), 原价 (original price), 原味 (original flavor), 原地 (original position). Essential for expressing concepts of origin and authenticity.

Examples

1. 这道菜保留了食材的原味，吃起来特别新鲜。 This dish preserves the original flavor of the ingredients — it tastes especially fresh.
2. 请把文件恢复到原来的位置。 Please restore the file to its original location.
3. 原价一百块的衣服现在打五折。 Clothes originally priced at 100 yuan are now 50% off.

Usage Guide

Context: description, comparison, authenticity

Tone: factual

Do Say

• 这是原装进口的。(This is originally imported.)
• 原计划已经改变了。(The original plan has changed.)

Don't Say

• 这是原的东西 — 原通常作定语或在复合词中，不能单独使用，说'这是原来的东西'

Origin & History

Originally depicted a spring or source (水源), with 厂 (cliff) and 泉 (spring). Extended to mean 'origin' or 'original state.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal