Grammar Point:
本来就 běnlái jiù often implies “supposed to” or “it goes without saying,” indicating that something is expected or common knowledge.
Structure
S + běnlái jiù + something supposed to
學中文本來就不容易学中文本来就不容易
Learning Chinese is inherently not easy.
穿褲子本來就比穿裙子方便穿裤子本来就比穿裙子方便
Wearing pants is supposed to be more convenient than wearing a skirt.
這本來就是你的工作这本来就是你的工作
This is supposed to be your job.
這種人本來就得把他關起來这种人本来就得把他关起来
This kind of person is supposed to be put in prison from the start.
人本來就會生病,不需要太擔心人本来就会生病,不需要太担心
People naturally get sick; there’s no need to worry too much.
孩子本來就應該拿錢給父母孩子本来就应该拿钱给父母
Children are supposed to give money to their parents.
FYI
孝亲费 xiàoqīn fèi (filial piety fees) are a traditional responsibility in Chinese culture that requires adult children to bear the cost of supporting and caring for their elderly parents, ensuring they receive proper assistance in their later years. In Chinese culture, filial piety is of utmost importance, demanding that children show respect and concern for their parents. Filial piety fees can include providing financial support, food, shelter, and medical care. While modern society provides some level of elderly care through legal and social welfare systems, filial piety fees continue to hold significance in Chinese society. Some families adhere to this tradition and willingly provide these fees, while others negotiate based on individual circumstances. This reflects a moral duty to respect one’s parents, rather than a legal obligation. Similar traditions exist in other Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and more, with variations in modern times but a continued respect for caring for parents.
Practice
TouchHover over the space to see the answers.
✔️ Friends shouldn’t borrow money from each other in the first place.
朋友間本來就不應該互相借錢朋友间本来就不应该互相借钱
✔️ Walking the dog is originally the owner’s responsibility.
遛狗本來就是主人的工作遛狗本来就是主人的工作
✔️ In Taiwan, it doesn’t normally snow in the winter.
台灣的冬天本來就不會下雪台湾的冬天本来就不会下雪