Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
本běn(ben3)
The character 本 (běn) primarily refers to the root or origin of something, often used to denote the basis or foundation of an idea or object. It is commonly used as a classifier for books and documents, indicating the physical or original version of a text.
Strokes5Radical木Frequency#338DifficultyEasy
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'root' (本) is significant, often related to one's ancestry or heritage, emphasizing the importance of knowing one's origins. This can be seen in traditional practices that honor family lineage.
Memory tip
Imagine a tree with a strong root system (本). The 'root' (本) holds everything together, just like how this character supports the meaning of 'origin' and 'foundation.' Picture a book (the classifier use) where the roots of knowledge are deeply embedded in its pages.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 本
Quick Contrast
书 (shū, book) — use 本 when emphasizing the original or physical version, while 书 is a general term for 'book' without that emphasis.
Usage Notes
本 (běn) is often used in both formal and informal contexts, so it is versatile. Be careful with its classifier usage; for example, you would say 一本书 (yī běn shū) for 'one book.' A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters like 份 (fèn) which is used for portions or shares.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, 本 (běn) connects well with other basic vocabulary like 书 (shū) for 'book' and 这 (zhè) for 'this.' Focus on its classifier use and practice sentences involving books and origins to reinforce your understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 本 in contexts that require a different classifier, such as using it for people or non-book items. For example, saying '一本人' (yī běn rén) is incorrect; the correct form is 一个 (yī gè) for 'one person.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 本
Premium — Locked
Tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 本, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 本 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 本?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 本 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 本 (běn) primarily refers to the root or origin of something, often used to denote the basis or foundation of an idea or object. It is commonly used as a classifier for books and documents, indicating the physical or original version of a text.
When to use 本
本 (běn) is often used in both formal and informal contexts, so it is versatile. Be careful with its classifier usage; for example, you would say 一本书 (yī běn shū) for 'one book.' A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters like 份 (fèn) which is used for portions or shares.
本 or something close to it
书 (shū, book) — use 本 when emphasizing the original or physical version, while 书 is a general term for 'book' without that emphasis.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 本 in contexts that require a different classifier, such as using it for people or non-book items. For example, saying '一本人' (yī běn rén) is incorrect; the correct form is 一个 (yī gè) for 'one person.'
Write 本
本
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 本 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar patterns of 本
本 functions as a pronoun — it stands in for a noun. Use it in the same positions as nouns (subject before verb, object after). Plurals are formed by adding 们 (我们, 他们). It carries 13 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
