adjective / noun / prefix HSK 4
original · former · raw · plain · source
Meaning
原 means 'original' or 'former' and is commonly used as a prefix to indicate something in its initial, unchanged state. It can refer to the source or beginning of something, or describe something that is unprocessed or primitive.
Usage
原 frequently appears as a prefix in compound words like 原因 (reason), 原来 (originally), and 原料 (raw material). When used alone as an adjective, it often describes something in its natural, unaltered state. It's a formal register word commonly used in written Chinese.
Examples
- 01这是这本书的原文，没有翻译过。, .This is the original text of this book, it hasn't been translated.
- 02我们要坚持原则，不能妥协。, .We must stick to our principles and not compromise.
Common collocations
- 原本originally, at first
- 原文original text
- 原则principle
- 原地original place, on the spot
Antonyms
Origin
The character 原 originally depicted a spring or source of water emerging from a cliff, combining the concepts of origin and natural state.