Definitions
(noun)
root; origin; source
(adjective)
original; inherent
(adjective)
this; current
(classifier)
classifier for books and periodicals
Etymology
Addition of a horizontal line toward the bottom of 木 (tree) to represent the roots of the tree.
About
The character 本 is an ideogrammatic character that builds on 木 (tree/wood) by adding a horizontal stroke 一 across the lower trunk. This stroke marks the tree's base, conveying the original sense of "root". From this concrete meaning, the character extended to abstract concepts like foundation, origin, or basis. It also functions as a measure word for items such as books and files.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我有一本书。
这本书很有趣。
我本来想去公园。
这是基本的原则。
成本有点高。
根本问题还没解决。
本人对此事负责。
根据本公司的规定，员工必须按时上班。