Chinese
běnlái
Meaning: originally; at first; of course
Part of Speech: Adverb, Adjective

Listen to pronunciation

Handwriting

本來
本
來
本来
本
来

Example sentences

I originally planned to be a doctor.
我本來想出門,不料下雨了。
我本来想出门,不料下雨了。
I originally planned to go out, but unexpectedly it started raining.
「本來打算去郊遊,結果下起大雨,真是掃興。」
「本来打算去郊游,结果下起大雨,真是扫兴。」
We originally planned to go on an outing, but it started raining heavily, which was really disappointing.
我本來想去公園散步,哪知道突然下起雨來了。
我本来想去公园散步,哪知道突然下起雨来了。
I originally planned to go for a walk in the park, but to my surprise, it suddenly started raining.

Usage Notes

Used to indicate an initial situation, intention, or state, often implying a change later. Can also mean 'naturally' or 'it goes without saying'.

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