Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 原作 | yuánzuò |
| 原文 | yuánwén |
| 原物 | yuánwù |
| 本來 / 本来 | běnlái |
| 原著 | yuánzhù |
| 原件 | yuánjiàn |
The term 'original' in Chinese is highly context-specific. Use terms like 原作 for art, 原文 for text and 原件 for physical documents. The related adjectives 原 and 原始 can be used to describe something that is the first in a series.
What does it mean word for word?
In many of these terms, the character 原 (yuán) serves as a prefix meaning 'original', 'source' or 'primary'.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends entirely on what kind of 'original' you are describing:
– Use 原作 (yuánzuò) for an original artistic work, such as a painting or a musical composition. – Use 原文 (yuánwén) specifically for the original written text or the source language of a document. – Use 原件 (yuánjiàn) for a physical original document or formal piece of paperwork, typically to distinguish it from a photocopy. – Use 原著 (yuánzhù) when referring to an original book or written work produced by an author, often in the context of discussing adaptations. – Use 本来 (běnlái) to mean 'originally' or 'at first' when describing a prior state of affairs, rather than a physical object.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
yuánzuò
Did you know?
- In modern Chinese internet slang, users may use 原味 (yuánwèi), meaning 'original flavor', as a euphemism for something that is unwashed or authentic in a slightly taboo sense.
- The character 原 originally depicted a spring of water gushing from the ground. This imagery of a 'source' of water evolved into the abstract concept of 'original' or 'primary'.
- In Taoist philosophy, the term 本来 (běnlái) is used to describe the 'original nature' or 'inherent state' of the universe. It transcends the simple meaning of 'at first' to describe an eternal essence.
Examples in context
- 汤姆是为了能够看懂古兰经的原文才去开始学习阿拉伯语的。Tom wanted to be able to read the original Quran and solely for that reason he started learning Arabic.This sentence shows how to use 原文 when referring to the original text of a religious book.Tatoeba #8756349 by crescat, translation #6380218 by KonstantinLukas
- 翻译跟原文很贴切。The translation is quite true to the original.This sentence demonstrates using 原文 to describe a translation that stays true to the original text.Tatoeba #1517737 by gonnastop, translation #43842 by Dejo
- 他比较了复印稿和原件。He compared the copy with the original.This sentence shows how to use 原件 when comparing a physical original to a photocopy.Tatoeba #430972 by fucongcong, translation #286572 by CK
- 我收藏了电影的原版光盘。I have the original DVD of the movie.
- 这是正品的手表，有保证书。This watch is the original one with a guarantee certificate.
- 我从第一手的消息中获悉了这个原始报告。I obtained this original report from firsthand sources.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Jiayi are visiting an art gallery.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你看，这幅画是原作吗？Nǐ kàn, zhè fú huà shì yuánzuò ma?Look, is this painting the original?
- 佳怡 Jiayi不对，这是一件复制品。Bùduì, zhè shì yī jiàn fùzhìpǐn.No, this is a copy.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那原作现在在哪里？Nà yuánzuò xiànzài zài nǎlǐ?Then where is the original now?
- 佳怡 Jiayi听说原作在博物馆的仓库里。Tīngshuō yuánzuò zài bówùguǎn de cāngkù lǐ.I heard the original is in the museum warehouse.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “original” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
