正本 (zhèng běn) — original (of a document); reserved copy (in a library)

Definition

The "official original" copy of a document (contract, certificate) — the version kept on file, distinct from photocopies or drafts. In a library, it refers to a reference copy that must stay on the premises.

noun
original (of a document)reserved copy (in a library)
Measure word · 份

Examples

  • 正本，。
    Zhè fèn hé tong bì xū bǎo liú zhèng běn, bù néng suí biàn gěi rén.
    This contract's original must be kept and not given out casually.
  • 正本，。
    Tú shū guǎn de zhèng běn bù néng wài jiè, zhǐ néng zài guǎn nèi kàn.
    The library's reserved copy cannot be borrowed out — you can only read it inside the library.
  • 正本。
    Qǐng bǎ zhèng běn hé fù yìn jiàn yì qǐ jiāo shàng lái.
    Please submit the original together with the photocopy.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

正zhèngmain
本běncopy

The 'main' meaning specifies the original 'copy' in 正本.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
止止zhǐ
Sound part声符shēngfú
丁
丁dīng正zhèng
Same sound today

正 pairs 止 with 丁; 止 marks the sense and 丁 gives the sound.

Open 正 →

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

本 adds a stroke at the bottom of a tree shape to mark the roots, giving the sense of foundation or original.

Open 本 →

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