Definition
原来 has two key uses: (1) 'original/former' or 'originally/at first', overlapping with 本来; (2) 'so/actually, as it turns out' — this second meaning marks a new discovery and is unique to 原来 (本来 never has this use). For the 'originally' sense, 原来 emphasizes a past state that later changed, while 本来 can also imply 'inherently'.
adjective
originalformer
adverb
originallyat firstsoactuallyas it turns out
Examples
- 原来。yuán lái de jìhuà yǐjīng qǔxiāo le.The original plan has been cancelled.
- 原来，。Tā yuán lái zhù zài Běijīng, xiànzài bān dào Shànghǎi le.He originally lived in Beijing, now he's moved to Shanghai.
- 原来！。yuán lái shì nǐ! Wǒ hái yǐwéi shì shéi ne.So it's you! I was wondering who it was.
Grammar
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