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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HSK 3

Grammar Point	Pattern	Example
How to use 原来 to express "originally"	原来 + 的 + Noun	街道还是原来的样子。
How to use 把	把 + Object + Verb phrases	我把书看完了
How to use 极了	Subject + Adjective + 极了	这道菜好吃极了 !
How to use 就是	就是（+ 不）+ Verb	我就是不喜欢吃西兰花。
Duplicated adjectives in Chinese	A A + 的 (+ Noun)	小猫的尾巴长长的。
How to use 地	Subject + Adjective + 地 + Verb	他缓慢地走着。
How to use 之类的	⋯⋯ 之类的 + Category	我把它放在桌子之类的地方了
How to use 那么 and 这么	Subject + 那么/这么 + Adjective	你怎么那么天真！
How to use 挺	挺 + Adjective + 的	她挺善良的。
How to use 越来越	Subject + 越来越 + Adjective + 了	科技越来越发达了。
Differences between 通过 and 经过	经过 + Event / Time ，……	经过几年的时间，这座城市发生了许多变化。
How to use 为了	为了 …… ，Subject ……	为了今天的演讲，她练习了很多遍。