bun2 loi4本來本来
Jyutpingbun2 loi4
Yalebún lòih
Definition
Original; at first; originally.
colloquialtimedescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the contrast between an initial plan or state and the current reality. It often appears in sentences where the outcome changed or failed to happen as expected. It is frequently paired with 係 to emphasize the original state of affairs.
Examples
What time were you originally planning to leave?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with 原本, which is interchangeable in many contexts but carries a slightly more formal tone. Avoid using 本來 to mean 'naturally' or 'obviously' as some learners mistakenly do when translating from other languages.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
