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Comparing 本来 ("ben3lai2") and 原来 ("yuan2lai2")

本来 / 原来 běnlái

Grammar
HSK 4

Structure

Subj. + 本来 + 是 + [（不）要 / 会 / 应该 ] + Verb + 的，但是 / 可是⋯⋯ Subj. + 本来 + 就 + 很 / 不 + Adj. Subj. + 本来 + 就 + [ 会 / 要 / 得 / 应该 ] + Verb Subj. + 本来 + 就 ＋ ⋯⋯ 原来 + 是 + [Fact / Truth / Reason / Purpose] 怪不得 + [Observation / Situation]，原来 + 是 [因为 / 为了 / 想⋯⋯] 原来 + 的 + Noun

Definition

本来强调事物原有的状态或理应如此的情况；原来指过去某个时间点的状态或发现先前未知的事实。

本来 emphasizes the original state or what should be the case; 原来 refers to a state at a past point in time or the discovery of a previously unknown fact.

Usage

本来常用于表示本应如此但实际并非如此的情况，或强调事物固有的属性。原来常用于表示发现了以前不知道的情况，或从过去到现在状态的转变。

本来 is often used to indicate that something should be the case but actually isn't, or to emphasize inherent properties. 原来 is often used to indicate a discovery about a previously unknown situation, or a change from past to present.

Examples

  • 1 他本来不想去，但最后还是去了。（He originally didn't want to go, but he went in the end.）
  • 2 这件事本来很简单，却被你搞复杂了。（This matter was originally simple, but you made it complicated.）
  • 3 原来你在这里！（So you are here!）
  • 4 原来如此，我明白了。（So that's how it is; I understand.）
  • 5 他本来身体很好，现在却经常生病。（He used to be in good health, but now he often gets sick.）
  • 6 我原来以为他会来，结果他没来。（I originally thought he would come, but he didn't.）

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