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 created by adding a single horizontal stroke 一 across the base of 木 (tree). This stroke serves as an indicator that points to the roots, giving the character its literal meaning: 'tree root'. From this concrete image, the character took on extended abstract senses of origin, foundation, and basis, the root of a matter. It also developed a common grammatical use as a measure word for bound items such as books, manuals, 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。
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