原来(yuánlái)
Originally / It Turns Out
Structure Pattern
Explanation
原来 (yuánlái) has two meanings: (1) "originally / formerly," and (2) "so it turns out / I see" — expressing sudden realization. The second meaning is more commonly tested.
Example Sentences
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Yuánlái nǐ yě xǐhuān zhè běn shū!
So you also like this book!
Yuánlái tā shì nǐ de gēge.
So he's your older brother.
Wǒ yuánlái zhù zài Shànghǎi.
I originally lived in Shanghai.
Yuánlái rúcǐ!
So that's how it is!
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
我原来是学生。
Correct Usage
我是学生。
Using 原来 to state a current, known fact about oneself is incorrect because it implies a sudden realization ('So I am a student!') or that the speaker *used to be* a student. If you are currently a student and simply stating this fact, '我是学生' is the natural way to say it, as there's no discovery or past state implied.
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