Definition
物归原主 is a four-character idiom meaning 'to return something to its rightful owner'. It's used when lost property, borrowed items, or stolen goods are given back to the person who originally owned them. The tone is formal and slightly literary—you'll see it in official notices, news reports, or when describing honest behavior (like returning a lost wallet).
f.e.
to return something to its rightful owner
Examples
- ,物归原主。Jǐngchá zhǎodào le shīzhǔ, bǎ qiánbāo wù guī yuán zhǔ.The police found the owner and returned the wallet to him.
- 物归原主,。Jiǎn dào de dōngxi yí dìng yào wù guī yuán zhǔ, zhè shì zuò rén de jīběn dàolǐ.If you find something, you must return it to its rightful owner — that's a basic principle of being a good person.
- ,物归原主。Zhè běn zìdiǎn shì liǎng nián qián jiè de, xiànzài zhōngyú wù guī yuán zhǔ le.This dictionary was borrowed two years ago, and it's finally been returned to its owner.
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