Meanings of 本事
By ear
Play it, then pick what 本事 means.
About 本事
Podcast: 本事
Podcast: 本事
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 本事
能耐 (néngnài) - use 本事 when emphasizing a learned skill or ability, while 能耐 often refers to innate talent or endurance.
本事 is often used in informal contexts to discuss someone's skills, but it can also appear in more formal discussions about expertise. Common collocations include phrases like '他的本事很大' (his skills are impressive). Be cautious with tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
As an HSK 6 word, 本事 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to abilities and skills, such as 能力 (néng lì, ability) and 技能 (jì néng, skill). Focus on using 本事 in context to describe expertise in various fields.
Learners often confuse 本事 with 能力, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '他的能力很大' instead of the more contextually appropriate '他的本事很大' can sound unnatural.
Pronunciation of 本事
Drill the tone of 本事 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 本事 to You
Let me explain 本事 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 本事 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 本事?
Learning Lab
Knowing 本事 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say source material in Chinese
“source material” in Chinese is本事
本事 (běn shì) refers to a person's ability or skill in a particular area. It can also denote the original source or material from which something is derived, such as a story or concept. This term is commonly used to highlight someone's competence or expertise.
When to use 本事
本事 is often used in informal contexts to discuss someone's skills, but it can also appear in more formal discussions about expertise. Common collocations include phrases like '他的本事很大' (his skills are impressive). Be cautious with tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
本事 or something close to it
能耐 (néngnài) - use 本事 when emphasizing a learned skill or ability, while 能耐 often refers to innate talent or endurance.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 本事 with 能力, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '他的能力很大' instead of the more contextually appropriate '他的本事很大' can sound unnatural.
Write 本事
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 本事 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 本事
本事 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他在北海学会了潜水员这一行的____。
He learnt his trade as a diver in the North Sea.
Example Sentences for 本事 (3)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 本事?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 本事
You can say, '他在这方面的本事很大,' meaning 'He has great skills in this area.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 本事?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.