HSK 4 · VERSION 2.0#21
Expressing “Originally” with “běnlái”
本来
How it works
本来 (běnlái) means “originally,” “at first,” or “in the first place.” It is used when the speaker talks about an earlier plan, earlier expectation, or original situation.
Very often, the sentence shows a contrast between:
what was originally expected or planned
what actually happened later
The pattern
本来 (běnlái) + Clause
Example sentences
我本来想去看你，可是后来太忙了。
I originally wanted to visit you, but later I got too busy.
这件事本来很简单。
This matter was originally very simple.
他本来不想说，可是最后还是说了。
He originally did not want to say it, but in the end he still said it.
Key point
本来 (běnlái) is often used when there is a contrast between the original state and the final result.
It is different from 原来 (yuánlái).
本来 (běnlái) = original plan or original condition
原来 (yuánlái) = new realization, “so that’s the truth”