běnlái: 本来 - Originally, At First, Supposed to be

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• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese adverb 本来 (běnlái), a versatile word used to mean “originally” or “at first.” This page breaks down how běnlái is used to contrast the past with the present, express what was “supposed to” happen (often with a hint of complaint or regret), and state something that “goes without saying.” Master this key HSK 3 term to add nuance and a natural feel to your Mandarin, and understand the crucial difference between 本来 (běnlái) and 原来 (yuánlái).

• Pinyin (with tone marks): běnlái
• Part of Speech: Adverb
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: Indicates an original state or an inherent truth; originally, at first, it goes without saying.
• In a Nutshell: 本来 (běnlái) is a “time-travel” word that points back to an initial situation, plan, or truth. It's most often used when that original state has changed, or when an expectation wasn't met. Think of it as the starting point for phrases like, “Originally, I was going to…” or “You were supposed to be here…” It can also be used to mean “of course” or “naturally,” highlighting a fact that is self-evident from the very beginning.

• 本 (běn): This character is a pictogram of a tree (木, mù) with a line at the bottom indicating its base. It means “root,” “origin,” or “foundation.” It's the “ben” in Japan (日本, Rìběn), “the land of the sun's origin.”
• 来 (lái): This character means “to come.”

The two characters combine to mean “to come from the root” or “origin-come.” This paints a clear picture of the word's core meaning: something that was true from its origin or in the first place.

While 本来 (běnlái) is a grammatical function word, its usage taps into a subtle aspect of Chinese communication: indirectness and the importance of a shared understanding. When used to mean “supposed to,” 本来 allows a speaker to point out a deviation from a plan or expectation without being overtly confrontational. Saying, “你本来应该早点来” (nǐ běnlái yīnggāi zǎodiǎn lái) - “You were supposed to come earlier” - feels softer and less accusatory than a direct “Why are you late?”. It frames the issue as a simple divergence from the *original plan* rather than a personal failing. This can be compared to the English tendency to be more direct, which might be perceived as blunt in some Chinese contexts. 本来 helps maintain social harmony by focusing on the situation rather than placing blame directly on the individual. It's a tool for gentle correction and expressing mild disappointment.

本来 (běnlái) has three primary uses in daily conversation.

This is the most direct meaning. It's used when describing how a situation was “originally” or “at first,” usually before a change occurred. `This building was originally a library, but now it's a coffee shop.`

This is extremely common. It's used when an action or event deviates from a plan, expectation, or what is considered normal. It often carries a connotation of surprise, mild complaint, or regret. `This homework was supposed to be easy, why is it so hard?`

This usage expresses a self-evident truth or an inherent quality of something or someone. It's similar to saying “of course,” “naturally,” or “in the first place.” `Taking care of your parents is, of course, your responsibility.`

• Example 1:
  • 我本来想今天去爬山，但是突然下雨了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ běnlái xiǎng jīntiān qù páshān, dànshì tūrán xià yǔ le.
  • English: I originally planned to go hiking today, but it suddenly started raining.
  • Analysis: This is a classic example of Use #1. It contrasts the original plan with the current reality due to an unexpected event.
• Example 2:
  • 这个座位本来是我的。
  • Pinyin: Zhège zuòwèi běnlái shì wǒ de.
  • English: This seat was supposed to be mine. / This seat was mine originally.
  • Analysis: A common, slightly assertive use (Use #2). It points out that the current situation (someone else in the seat) is contrary to the original, correct state of affairs.
• Example 3:
  • 学习本来就是学生的事情。
  • Pinyin: Xuéxí běnlái jiùshì xuéshēng de shìqíng.
  • English: Studying is, of course, a student's responsibility. / Studying is inherently what students do.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates Use #3. The speaker is stating a self-evident truth. The `就 (jiù)` adds emphasis, creating the common and powerful `本来就` structure.
• Example 4:
  • 你本来应该昨天就完成这个报告。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ běnlái yīnggāi zuótiān jiù wánchéng zhège bàogào.
  • English: You were supposed to have finished this report yesterday.
  • Analysis: A clear example of Use #2, expressing mild complaint or reminding someone of a deadline they missed. The `应该 (yīnggāi)` reinforces the sense of obligation.
• Example 5:
  • 他本来就很聪明，所以考试对他来说很容易。
  • Pinyin: Tā běnlái jiù hěn cōngmíng, suǒyǐ kǎoshì duì tā lái shuō hěn róngyì.
  • English: He's inherently very smart, so exams are easy for him.
  • Analysis: This is Use #3, describing a person's fundamental, original nature. It's not that he became smart; he has been smart from the beginning.
• Example 6:
  • 这件衣服我本来是给你买的，但好像有点小。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiàn yīfú wǒ běnlái shì gěi nǐ mǎi de, dàn hǎoxiàng yǒudiǎn xiǎo.
  • English: I originally bought this piece of clothing for you, but it seems a bit small.
  • Analysis: A simple, conversational use of Use #1. It explains the original intention behind an action.
• Example 7:
  • 我以为他忘了，其实他本来就没打算来。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ yǐwéi tā wàng le, qíshí tā běnlái jiù méi dǎsuàn lái.
  • English: I thought he forgot, but actually, he never planned to come in the first place.
  • Analysis: This combines the sense of “original plan” (Use #1) with the emphatic “in the first place” (Use #3). It reveals the true, original intention.
• Example 8:
  • 我们迷路了。本来我们应该在那个路口右转。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen mílù le. Běnlái wǒmen yīnggāi zài nàge lùkǒu yòu zhuǎn.
  • English: We're lost. We were supposed to turn right at that intersection.
  • Analysis: A perfect example of expressing regret (Use #2) by referencing a deviation from the correct, original path.
• Example 9:
  • 这道菜本来有点辣，你要是不能吃辣，我可以让厨房重做。
  • Pinyin: Zhè dào cài běnlái yǒudiǎn là, nǐ yàoshi bùnéng chī là, wǒ kěyǐ ràng chúfáng chóng zuò.
  • English: This dish is inherently a bit spicy. If you can't eat spicy food, I can have the kitchen make it again.
  • Analysis: Use #3. It describes the default, original nature of the dish. It's not a mistake; its recipe is “originally” spicy.
• Example 10:
  • 他今天很安静，本来他是个很爱说话的人。
  • Pinyin: Tā jīntiān hěn ānjìng, běnlái tā shì ge hěn ài shuōhuà de rén.
  • English: He's very quiet today; originally/normally he's a very talkative person.
  • Analysis: A great example of contrasting a person's current behavior with their usual, “original” personality (Use #1).

The most common mistake for learners is confusing 本来 (běnlái) with 原来 (yuánlái). They can both be translated as “originally,” but their function is completely different. The Key Difference:

• 本来 (běnlái): Implies the speaker already knew the original situation. It's used to state a known original fact, plan, or expectation, often to contrast it with the present. “I knew the plan, but something changed.”
• 原来 (yuánlái): Implies the speaker just discovered a new truth. It expresses surprise or realization. It means “it turns out” or “so… actually…”. “I just found this out!”

Example of Correct Usage:

• 本来: 我本来以为他是老师，后来才知道他是校长。
  • Wǒ běnlái yǐwéi tā shì lǎoshī, hòulái cái zhīdào tā shì xiàozhǎng.
  • At first, I thought he was a teacher, but later I learned he is the principal. (This was my initial, known assumption.)
• 原来: 啊，原来他是校长！怪不得大家都这么尊敬他。
  • À, yuánlái tā shì xiàozhǎng! Guàibùdé dàjiā dōu zhème zūnjìng tā.
  • Oh, it turns out he's the principal! No wonder everyone respects him so much. (This is a new discovery for me.)

Example of Incorrect Usage:

• Incorrect: 我到处找我的钥匙，本来它在我的口袋里。 (Wǒ dàochù zhǎo wǒ de yàoshi, běnlái tā zài wǒ de kǒudài lǐ.)
• Why it's wrong: You are expressing a new discovery—the moment you find the keys. You didn't *know* they were in your pocket originally while you were searching.
• Correct: 我到处找我的钥匙，原来它在我的口袋里！ (Wǒ dàochù zhǎo wǒ de yàoshi, yuánlái tā zài wǒ de kǒudài lǐ!)

• 原来 (yuánlái) - The most critical term to distinguish from `本来`. It means “it turns out” and expresses a sudden realization or discovery.
• 当初 (dāngchū) - “At that time,” “in the beginning.” Refers to a specific time in the past, often used when expressing regret about a past decision. More specific than `本来`.
• 起初 (qǐchū) - “At first,” “initially.” A more formal or written synonym for the “originally” meaning of `本来`.
• 本来就 (běnlái jiù) - A common structure that strengthens the meaning of “inherently” or “in the first place.”
• 应该 (yīnggāi) - “Should,” “ought to.” Frequently paired with `本来` to create the “was supposed to” meaning.
• 当然 (dāngrán) - “Of course.” A strong synonym for the “it goes without saying” meaning of `本来`. `当然` is more direct and forceful.
• 原本 (yuánběn) - “Original,” “originally.” Very similar to `本来` but can also be used as an adjective (e.g., a an original copy of a book - 书的原本). It is slightly more formal.