How is 本来 pronounced?

本来 is pronounced “běn lái” in pinyin.

What HSK level is 本来?

本来 belongs to HSK 4 in the HSK 3.0 vocabulary.

HSK 4d,b

本来

Traditional: 本來

běn lái

本来 (běn lái) means “original; originally; at first; it goes without saying; of course”. It is an HSK 4 Chinese word (traditional 本來) in the HSK 3.0 vocabulary.

How to write 本来

Practice each character:

本来

Example

我本来不知道。

Wǒ běnlái bù zhīdào.

I originally didn't know.

More HSK 4 vocabulary

HSK 4 →

爱情ài qíngromance; love (romantic)安排ān páito arrange; to plan; to set up; arrangements; plans 安全ān quánsafe; secure; safety; security 按时àn shíon time; before deadline; on schedule 按照àn zhàoaccording to; in accordance with; in the light of; on the basis of 百分之bǎi fēn zhīpercent 棒bàngstick; club; cudgel; smart; capable; strong; wonderful; classifier for legs of a relay race 包子bāo zibao (steamed stuffed bun)保护bǎo hùto protect; to defend; to safeguard; protection 保证bǎo zhèngguarantee; to guarantee; to ensure; to safeguard; to pledge 报名bào míngto sign up; to enter one's name; to apply; to register; to enroll; to enlist 抱bàoto hold; to carry (in one's arms); to hug; to embrace; to surround; to cherish; (coll.) (of clothes) to fit nicely

Frequently asked questions

What does 本来 mean?: 本来 (běn lái) means “original; originally; at first; it goes without saying; of course”. It is an HSK 4 word.
How is 本来 pronounced?: 本来 is pronounced “běn lái” in pinyin.
What HSK level is 本来?: 本来 belongs to HSK 4 in the HSK 3.0 vocabulary.

Updated: 2026-05-27