HSK 4
原来 clause
yuánlái clause
it turns out
Structure
Subj. + 原来 + [Fact/Result] or 原来 + Subj. + [Fact/Result]
How it works
The word '原来' (yuánlái) is used as an adverb to indicate the discovery of a truth or a reason that was previously unknown. It often translates to 'it turns out' or 'so that's why' and expresses a sense of sudden realization.
Examples
我找了半天，原来钥匙在兜里。
Wǒ zhǎo le bàntiān, yuánlái yàoshi zài dōulǐ.
I looked for a long time, and it turns out the keys were in my pocket.
原来他就是你们常提到的那位教授。
Yuánlái tā jiùshì nǐmen cháng tídào de nà wèi jiàoshòu.
So it turns out he is the professor you all often mention.
我以为他生病了，原来是太累了。
Wǒ yǐwéi tā shēngbìng le, yuánlái shì tài lèi le.
I thought he was sick, but it turns out he was just too tired.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse '原来' with '本来'. While '原来' indicates a new discovery, '本来' emphasizes that something was originally a certain way or should have been that way by default.
Tip
When you use '原来' to mean 'it turns out,' it is frequently preceded by '以为' (yǐwéi - to mistakenly think) to contrast your previous assumption with the actual truth.
More HSK 4 grammar
See 原来 clause in real Chinese
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