Looking up...
This; these (used to indicate something near the speaker)
这本书是我的。
This book is mine.
Origin; source (often used in compounds)
本公司成立于1990年。
This company was established in 1990.
Root; basis (used in philosophical or abstract contexts)
我们需要找到问题的本质。
We need to find the root of the problem.
Classifier for books, documents, or similar items
我买了三本书。
I bought three books.
When counting books or similar items, always use '本' as the classifier (e.g., 一本书).
The meaning of '本' heavily depends on context—it can mean 'this,' 'origin,' or serve as a classifier.
Derived from Classical Chinese, originally meaning 'root' or 'origin', later extended to mean 'this' and used as a classifier.
When used as a classifier, it typically follows the noun it quantifies (e.g., 三本书). In compounds, it often indicates origin or basis.