本身

běn shēn
pronounIntermediate
formal

Used to emphasize that something is being considered independently of other factors or associations; by itself.

他的成功本身值得尊敬。

His success itself is worthy of respect.

这个问题本身并不复杂。

The problem itself isn't complicated.

💡

Often used to focus on the intrinsic nature or value of something without external influences.

Collocations

本身itself本身来说in itself本身就by itself

Synonyms

Related Phrases

本身来说phrase
in itself
本身就phrase
by itself

💡Pro Tip

Emphasizing Intrinsic Value

Use '本身' to focus on the inherent qualities of something, such as '这本书本身很有趣' (The book itself is interesting).

Gold Rule

Avoid Redundancy

Do not use '本身' redundantly with other self-referential words like '自己' in the same sentence.

📖Word Origin

Composed of '本' (root, origin) and '身' (body, oneself), literally meaning 'the root of oneself' or 'the core of oneself'.

📝Usage Notes

Often used to emphasize the intrinsic nature of something, separating it from external factors or associations. Can be used with verbs like '值得' (worthy of) or '重要' (important) to highlight inherent qualities.

Word Breakdown

root, origin
root
+
body, oneself
root
汉英词典