Definition
本事 (běn shì) refers to the original story or factual material (e.g., historical events) that serves as the basis for a creative work. 素材 (sù cái) is raw material—unprocessed facts, notes, or images—that can be adapted. Both are used in creative contexts, but 本事 emphasizes the original narrative foundation, while 素材 is the unshaped content.
noun
source materialoriginal story
Examples
- 本事。Zhè bù xiǎoshuō de běn shi shì zuòzhě de zhēnshí jīnglì.The source material for this novel is the author's real-life experience.
- 本事。Dǎoyǎn gēnjù lìshǐ běn shi pāishè le zhè bù diànyǐng.The director filmed this movie based on historical source material.
- 。Biānjù duì yuán běn shi jìnxíng le dàliàng gǎibiān.The screenwriter made extensive adaptations to the original story.
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