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原来

yuán lái

HSK 4

Meaning

  • originally; formerly; at first
  • original; former
  • so, actually, as it turns out

Definition

副词,表示起初、原先的情况,或表示发现了以前不知道的情况。

Adverb meaning originally, formerly, or indicating realization of a previously unknown fact.

Usage

用来描述过去的状态或情况,也用于表达恍然大悟。

Used to describe a past state or situation, or to express a sudden realization.

Examples

  • 1 原来他是我小学同学,我都没认出来。(It turns out he was my elementary school classmate; I didn't recognize him.)
  • 2 原来这里以前是一片农田。(This place used to be farmland.)
  • 3 原来你也会弹钢琴,真厉害!(So you can play the piano too, amazing!)
  • 4 她原来不打算来,后来改变了主意。(She originally didn't plan to come, but later changed her mind.)
  • 5 原来如此,我明白了。(So that's how it is, I understand now.)
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