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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "originally" with 本来 (běnlái) as an adjective

    HSK 4
    Aspect & Tense
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    本来 + 的 + Noun

    Explanation

    本来 (běnlái) as an adjective means "original" or "inherent," describing something's fundamental nature or initial state. It modifies a noun to indicate what something was before any changes occurred. It can also imply that the original state should have been maintained.

    Examples

    • 我们应该尊重事物的本来面貌。

      wǒmen yīnggāi zūnzhòng shìwù de běnlái miànmào.

      We should respect the true nature of things.

    • 这件事的本来意思被大家误解了。

      zhè jiàn shì de běnlái yìsi bèi dàjiā wùjiě le.

      The original meaning of this matter was misunderstood by everyone.

    • 他想要恢复这幅画的本来颜色。

      tā xiǎng yào huīfù zhè fú huà de běnlái yánsè.

      He wants to restore the original colors of this painting.

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    Expressing "originally" with 本来 (běnlái) as an adjective | Chinese Grammar