原来 (yuán lái) — (adjective) original, former; (adverb) originally, at first; (adverb) so, actually, as it turns out
Definition
原来 has two distinct uses: 'originally/former' (often interchangeable with 本来, but 原来 is more colloquial), and as an adverb meaning 'so, actually' expressing discovery (e.g. 'So that's who it was!').
adjective
originalformer
adverb
originallyat firstsoactuallyas it turns out
Examples
- 原来。yuán lái De jì huà yǐ jīng qǔ xiāo le.The original plan has been cancelled.
- 原来，。Tā yuán lái zhù zài běi jīng, xiàn zài bān dào shàng hǎi le.He originally lived in Beijing, now he's moved to Shanghai.
- 原来！。yuán lái Shì nǐ! wǒ hái yǐ wéi shì shuí ne.So it's you! I was wondering who it was.
Grammar
Appears in
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