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原来 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
原来
yuánlái
original
HSK 4, d, 17 strokes, rank #1006, Medium
原来
yuánlái
former
HSK 4, d, 17 strokes, rank #1006, Medium
原来
yuánlái
originally
HSK 4, d, 17 strokes, rank #1006, Medium
原来
yuánlái
formerly
HSK 4, d, 17 strokes, rank #1006, Medium
原来
yuánlái
at first
HSK 4, d, 17 strokes, rank #1006, Medium
原来
yuánlái
so, actually, as it turns out
HSK 4, d, 17 strokes, rank #1006, Medium
yuánlái(yuan2lai2)yuan lai T2
1original
2former
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March 24, 2026
原来(原來)yuánlái(yuan2lai2)
原来 (yuán lái) is used to indicate something that was true or existed in the past or to reveal a surprising fact. It often conveys the meaning of 'as it turns out' or 'originally,' and is commonly used in conversational contexts to clarify misunderstandings or to express realization.
Strokes17Frequency#1006DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'original' often ties into philosophies such as Daoism, which values the simplicity and authenticity of the original state of things. Using 原来 can reflect a deeper appreciation for these values in conversation.
Memory tip
Imagine a time traveler (原) returning to the original (来) version of events. This character visually represents the idea of returning to the source, where the truth of a situation is revealed.
Meanings of 原来
yuánlái(yuan2lai2)
1original
2former
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 原来
原来Simplified
原來Traditional
17Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#1006Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 原来
Podcast: 原来
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AI study notes for 原来
Quick Contrast
原来 (yuánlái) vs 其实 (qíshí) — use 原来 when revealing a surprising fact about the past, while 其实 emphasizes a truth that may not be obvious or is often overlooked.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 原来 with similar expressions like 其实 (qí shí), which means 'actually.' 原来 is more about revealing an original state or fact, whereas 其实 can imply a deeper truth. It's typically informal, so use it in casual conversations.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 原来 connects well with other words indicating understanding or realization, such as 明白 (míng bái) meaning 'to understand.' Focus on using it in sentences that explain past situations or surprising outcomes.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 原来 in questions, saying '你原来是学生吗?' (Are you originally a student?), when they should use 你是学生吗? (Are you a student?). Use 原来 when clarifying or revealing information, not for simple inquiries.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 原来
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原来 (yuán lái) is used to indicate something that was true or existed in the past or to reveal a surprising fact. It often conveys the meaning of 'as it turns out' or 'originally,' and is commonly used in conversational contexts to clarify misunderstandings or to express realization.
When to use 原来
Be careful not to confuse 原来 with similar expressions like 其实 (qí shí), which means 'actually.' 原来 is more about revealing an original state or fact, whereas 其实 can imply a deeper truth. It's typically informal, so use it in casual conversations.
原来 or something close to it
原来 (yuánlái) vs 其实 (qíshí) — use 原来 when revealing a surprising fact about the past, while 其实 emphasizes a truth that may not be obvious or is often overlooked.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 原来 in questions, saying '你原来是学生吗?' (Are you originally a student?), when they should use 你是学生吗? (Are you a student?). Use 原来 when clarifying or revealing information, not for simple inquiries.
Write 原来
原
来
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Grammar patterns of 原来
原来 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 6 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.
