本意
běn yì · HSK 7
real intention
🌱🎯 本 root + 意 intention = the meaning at the root
Before layers of context shift a word, 本意 points back to its root sense — what was originally meant, the etymon beneath later usage.
本 — tree 木 + mark at base
本 is a pictograph of a tree (木) with a stroke at its base, marking the roots. From this 'root' meaning it extended to 'origin,' 'source,' and 'foundation.' In modern usage it also serves as a measure word for bound objects like books.