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measure word / noun / adjective HSK 2
běn
measure word for books/notebooks · root · origin · this · current · original

Meaning

本 is one of the most fundamental characters in Chinese. As a measure word, it's used for bound items like books, magazines, and notebooks. As a noun, it means 'root' or 'origin.' It also functions as an adjective meaning 'this,' 'current,' or 'original.'

Usage

Native speakers use 本 primarily as the standard classifier when counting books or similar bound volumes (一本书 'one book'). In formal contexts, it appears in compounds meaning 'this' (本人 'I, myself') or 'origin' (根本 'fundamental'). It's essential vocabulary for students and anyone discussing written materials.

Examples

  1. 01
    我买了三本书。
    Wǒ mǎile sān běn shū.
    I bought three books.
  2. 02
    这件事本来就不容易。
    Zhè jiàn shì běnlái jiù bù róngyì.
    This matter wasn't easy to begin with.

Common collocations

  • 一本书
    yī běn shū
    one book
  • 本人
    běnrén
    I myself; the person himself/herself
  • 本周
    běn zhōu
    this week
  • 本地
    běndì
    local; this locality

Origin

The character 本 originally depicted a tree (木) with a horizontal line at the base indicating the root or foundation. This pictographic origin connects to its meanings of 'origin,' 'foundation,' and by extension 'this/current' (the fundamental one).

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