Definition
老本 is a noun with three distinct meanings depending on context. It can refer to the initial capital used in a business, an old edition of a book (often valuable), or metaphorically to one's past achievements or reputation that one relies on (as in the common phrase 吃老本).
n.
business capital (initial investment in a venture)old edition (of a book, often rare or valuable)past reputation or glory (that one lives off)
Examples
- 老本。Tā zuò shēngyì de lǎo běn dōu péi guāng le.He lost all his business capital.
- 老本，。Zhè běn lǎo běn hěn zhēnguì, shì Qīngcháo chūbǎn de.This old edition is very precious, published in the Qing dynasty.
- ，。Búyào zǒngshì chī lǎo běn, yào búduàn xuéxí xīn jìshù.Don't always rely on your past glory; you need to keep learning new skills.
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