There are a number of ways to express "originally" in Chinese, and 本来 (běnlái) is one of the ones first learned, partly because its two characters are so simple.

Using 本来是 (běnlái shì) Expresses a Change of Plans

If something happened unexpectedly later, 本来 is preferred rather than 原来 considering there is a change of the original situation. 本来 means "originally." Since the action has already happened, the pattern 是... 的 is suggested here. 是 is optional.

Structure

Examples

我本来是要去的，不过后来不太舒服，就没去。I was originally going, but I didn't go because I didn't feel very well.
他本来是应该考得更好的，可是那天他生病了。He would have done better on the test, but he was sick that day.
我们本来想去找他帮忙的，可是他那么忙，就没去。We were going to ask him for help, but we didn't because he was so busy.
这些工作本来是要今天做完的，不过明天做也可以。This work needs to be done by today. But it's OK to leave it to tomorrow.
我本来要跟他结婚的，可是后来发现了我们真的不合适。I was originally going to marry him, but then I found that we are just not meant for each other.

Using 本来就 (běnlái jiù) Used for Emphasis of a Viewpoint

If you've got an opinion to express after stating how it "should be" or "should not be," then 本来就 will help you sound more convincing. The end of the sentence usually has an imperative or rhetorical question that leads to an opinion or suggestion, emphasizing the tone.

Structure

Examples

你本来就够瘦了，还要减肥吗？You are already so thin and you still want to lose weight?
他讲得本来就不对，为什么还要我听他的？What he says has always been wrong, so why do you still want me to listen to him?
她本来就很有钱，当然买得起了。She is rich. Of course she can afford it.
她本来就不喜欢你，你别再追她了。She never liked you in the first place, so stop pursuing her.
他本来就很喜欢开玩笑，你别介意。He has always liked joking around, so don't take it personally.

本来 (běnlái) with 就 (jiù) to Express "Duh!"

本来 (běnlái) is used when the speaker believes something is common sense. There are certain expectations for the speaker and listener. "Duh" is probably an overly saracastic and informal English equivalent, so another translation could be "it goes without saying." It could also be translated to "supposed to," following it with a certain expectation.

Structure

Examples

照顾孩子本来就是父母的责任。Taking care of children is supposed to be the responsibility of parents.
老师本来就应该好好备课。Teachers are supposed to prepare their lessons well.
美国人本来就会说流利的英文。Literally, "Americans are supposed to speak fluent English."Well, of course Americans speak fluent English.
搬家本来就很麻烦。Literally, "Moving is supposed to be troublesome."Moving is always a pain.
生活本来就很不容易。Literally, "Life was never supposed to be easy."No one ever said life was easy.

Using 本来是 (běnlái shì) Expresses a Change of Plans

Structure

Examples

Using 本来就 (běnlái jiù) Used for Emphasis of a Viewpoint

Structure

Examples

本来 (běnlái) with 就 (jiù) to Express "Duh!"

Structure

Examples

See also