原本 yuánběn originally
originally; original
How to remember 原本: 原 original + 本 source = originally.
Characters
How it is used
- Originally / at first (adverb) - 原本打算去 (yuánběn dǎsuàn qù) had originally planned to go, often implying a change followed.
- Very close to 本来 (běnlái) and 原来 (yuánlái); marks the initial situation before it shifted.
- Can also be a noun for an original copy/master (原本 the original manuscript), but the adverb use dominates.