本子 (běn zi) — notebook, exercise book | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

A bound paper book for writing or notes — usually a notebook or exercise book. Compared to 书, 本子 is a small notebook you write in, not a general book to read.

noun

notebookexercise book

Measure word · 本

Examples

。
Wǒ mǎi le yì běn běn zi.
I bought a notebook.
本子。
Qǐng gěi wǒ kàn kàn nǐ de běn zi.
Please show me your notebook.
本子，。
Zhè ge běn zi shì xīn de, nà ge shì jiù de.
This notebook is new, that one is old.

Origin

Derived word

构词法gòucífǎ

后缀hòuzhuìSuffix

A fixed syllable at the end that turns the word into a noun, a person, a place or the like.

子zǐlight ending

本 gives the idea of a book, and 子 is a light ending.

Characters in this word

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.

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

子 is drawn as a baby with a large head, arms stretched out, and legs wrapped in a blanket.

Appears in

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