本 - Expressing "origins" and other things
HSK 4
本 (běn) is a very common and versatile word that has mutliple meanings depending on the context. Its main meaning is “root”, hence it is used for roots or stems of plants. If you look at the character, you can see the tree 木 with a stroke on the bottom: indicating its roots.
Sample Sentences
Because of this, 本 is also used to say “origin”, “source”, as well as “foundation” and “basis”:
本质 (běnzhì) – essence, nature
本来 (běnlái) – originally, at first
It is also used as a classifier for books, periodicals, files etc.:
一本书 (yī běn shū) – a book
三本笔记本 (sān běn bǐjìběn) – three notebooks
Last but not least, 本 indicates “this”:
本公司 (běn gōngsī) – this company
本周 (běn zhōu) – this week
In a Text
本公司成立于2010年，致力于人工智能技术的研究与应用。本年度，我们计划推出多款创新产品，以满足市场需求。感谢所有客户对本企业的支持，我们将继续努力提供更优质的服务。
Our company was established in 2010 and is dedicated to the research and application of artificial intelligence technology. This year, we plan to launch multiple innovative products to meet market demands. We appreciate the support of all our customers for our enterprise, and we will continue striving to provide better services.
