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Chinese Grammar Bank
HOW TO USE 原来
In Chinese, the word 原来 (yuánlái) can be used to express the state of “former” and “originally” or “it turns out,” helping to indicate a new realisation about something that has been true but wasn’t previously known.
Let’s dive into how to use 原来 effectively!
MEANING OF 原来
原来 has two meanings:
• “Originally” – refers to an original state or condition.
• “It turns out” / “All along” – expressing a realisation or discovery about something that has always been true but was previously unknown.
When used to express “all along,” “原来” emphasises the speaker’s realisation or surprise upon discovering something.
This usage adds an element of surprise or enlightenment to a sentence.
ORIGINAL STATE
When “原来的” is used as adjective, and followed with a noun, it means “Original” or “Before” and describes something in its original state.
This usage often emphasises something that has remained unchanged or its initial condition.
PATTERN
原来 + 的 + Noun
| 街道还是原来的样子。 | Jiēdào háishì yuánlái de yàngzi. | The street still looks the same as before. |
| 原来的计划取消了。 | Yuánlái de jìhuà qǔxiāo le. | The original plan was cancelled. |
| 他住在原来的房子里。 | Tā zhù zài yuánlái de fángzi lǐ. | He lives in the same house as before. |
BEFORE
When “原来” is used as a noun, it refers to a past state or condition and often implies a comparison with the present.
| 比原来进步多了。 | Bǐ yuánlái jìnbù duō le. | There’s much more progress than before. |
| 这个地方比原来安静。 | Zhège dìfāng bǐ yuánlái ānjìng. | This place is quieter than it was before. |
| 他比原来更高了。 | Tā bǐ yuánlái gèng gāo le. | He’s taller than he was before. |
IT TURNS OUT
When 原来 is used as an adverb, it indicates a sudden realization or discovery of something that has been true all along.
This usage often conveys surprise or new understanding.
| 原来是塑料花，我还以为是鲜花呢！ | Yuánlái shì sùliào huā, wǒ hái yǐwéi shì xiānhuā ne! | It turns out it’s a plastic flower; I thought it was real! |
| 原来你会说三种语言！ | Yuánlái nǐ huì shuō sān zhǒng yǔyán! | It turns out you can speak three languages! |
| 原来他就是我们的新老师。 | Yuánlái tā jiùshì wǒmen de xīn lǎoshī. | So he is our new teacher! |
原来 AND 本来
SIMILARITIES
Both 原来 and 本来 can function as adjectives, indicating something that is “original” or “unaltered.”
Example:
Both can also be used as adverbs to indicate that “the situation in the past is different from that at present,” and they can be placed before or after the subject.
Example:
DIFFERENCES
Indication of Realization vs. Intention:
• When 原来 is used as an adverb, it indicates that a formerly unknown situation has been discovered.
• When 本来 is used as an adverb, it indicates that something should have been a certain way.
| 我以为她在国外，原来她一直在这里。 | Wǒ yǐwéi tā zài guówài, yuánlái tā yīzhí zài zhèlǐ. | I thought she was abroad, but it turns out she has been here all along. |
| 我以为他不在家，原来他刚回来。 | Wǒ yǐwéi tā bù zài jiā, yuánlái tā gāng huílái. | I thought he wasn’t home, but it turns out he just got back. |
| 原来他也是个画家。 | Yuánlái tā yě shì gè huàjiā. | It turns out he is also a painter. |
SUMMARY
In practical use:
Noun and attributive forms of 原来 reflect “beginning,” “former,” or “original” meanings.
Adverb form conveys surprise, realization, or new awareness about something that has been true all along.
| Usage | Meaning | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noun | “Before” | 比 / 和 + 原来 + [Comparison] | 比原来进步多了。和原来一样。 |
| Attributive | “Inherent” or “Original” | “原来的” + Noun | 街道还是原来的样子。 |
| Adverb | “It turns out” or “All along” | 原来 + [Situation/Discovery] | 原来是塑料花，我还以为是鲜花呢！ |
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FAQs
What does 原来 mean in Chinese?
原来 can mean “originally,” “it turns out,” or “so that’s why,” often revealing new information or a change in understanding.
How is 原来 used to express realization?
When 原来 is used to show realization, it introduces a discovery, as in 原来你也在这里 (yuánlái nǐ yě zài zhèlǐ), meaning “So you’re here too!”
Can 原来 indicate past situations?
Yes, 原来 can indicate what was originally the case, as in 他原来住在北京 (tā yuánlái zhù zài Běijīng), meaning “He originally lived in Beijing.”
Is 原来 similar to 本来?
Both can mean “originally,” but 本来 emphasizes the natural or expected state, while 原来 focuses on discovering or realizing something new.
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