HSK · Level 13
135 words
Chinese word
本身
Pronunciation
Pinyinběn shēn
Meaning
- pronounitself
Example
本身的问题不大，主要是时间不够。běn shēn de wèn tí bú dà zhǔ yào shì shí jiān bú gòu
The problem itself is not serious; the main thing is that there is not enough time.
More examples
就本身而言，这种方法仍有价值。jiù běn shēn ér yán zhè zhǒng fāng fǎ réng yǒu jià zhí
In itself, this method still has value.
Core concept
The thing or person considered in its own inherent state, apart from outside conditions or additions.
Common phrases
就本身而言jiù běn shēn ér yán
in itself
本身的价值běn shēn de jià zhí
its own value
以本身为基础yǐ běn shēn wèi jī chǔ
using itself as the basis
Similar words
自己zì jǐ: One's own self in connection with one's feelings, thoughts, or actions.
自身zì shēn: The person or thing itself, emphasized as the exact entity concerned.
本人běn rén: The particular person concerned in an event or in holding a qualification.
Definition in Chinese
表示事物或人本来的、内在的部分，侧重区别于外界影响或附加因素。biǎo shì shì wù huò rén běn lái de nèi zài de bù fèn cè zhòng qū bié yú wài jiè yíng xiǎng huò fù jiā yīn sù
Word origin
本身 (běnshēn, "itself") combines 本 (běn, "root or original basis") + 身 (shēn, "body or self"), giving the word the sense of an original entity considered in its own nature.
Usage tips
- In conversation, 本身 (běnshēn, "itself") usually follows the person or thing it qualifies, allowing the next comment to evaluate that subject before mentioning time, cost, or other conditions.
Other meanings
- oneselfpronoun