本着
běn zhe · HSK 7
in conformance with..
📜 本 (root/basis) + 着 (attached to) = holding to your root principle
本 means root, origin, or basis. 着 here acts as a particle meaning attached to or along. Together: clinging to a foundational principle as your guide — based on, in accordance with.
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.
着 — sheep 羊 (top) + eye 目 (bottom)
着 originated as a variant of 著, which depicted plants emerging visibly above ground (grass radical 艹 over 者). Over time 着 split off to carry meanings like 'attach,' 'wear,' or a verb suffix marking ongoing action (zhe), while 著 kept senses like 'manifest' or 'author.'