When you're learning Chinese, you'll find that many words have multiple meanings depending on the context. Take 本子 (běnzi) for instance. While it commonly means 'notebook', it can also refer to a 'book' in a general sense, especially when talking about textbooks or storybooks.
It's important to pay attention to how 本子 (běnzi) is used in a sentence to understand its precise meaning. For example, if someone asks '你带本子了吗？(Nǐ dài běnzi le ma?)', they're probably asking if you brought a notebook for taking notes. But if you hear '这本子很好看 (Zhè běnzi hěn hǎokàn)', they might be referring to a beautifully illustrated book.
So, while the core meaning is 'book-like object', the context will help you narrow it down to 'notebook' or a more general 'book'. This is a common characteristic of Chinese vocabulary, so always keep an eye on the surrounding words!
When talking about a physical notebook, the Chinese word 本子 (běnzi) is a great, versatile term to use. It's a common noun that refers specifically to a book with blank or lined pages for writing notes, drawing, or keeping records.
It's generally understood to mean a personal notebook, like one you'd use for school or work, rather than a more formal ledger or official document.
While there are other terms that might refer to different types of books, 本子 (běnzi) is the most straightforward and widely understood way to say "notebook" in everyday conversation.
It’s an excellent vocabulary word to have in your arsenal as a beginner because of its simplicity and practical application in many situations.
§ What 本子 means
- Definition
- Notebook, exercise book, or even a simple booklet.
本子 (běnzi) is a very common word in Chinese. It means 'notebook'. Think of the kind of book you write notes in, or an exercise book for school. It's a general term, so it can refer to many types of small books that are not official 'books' (书, shū) with published content.
You'll hear 本子 used a lot in daily conversations, especially in contexts related to school or work where people need to write things down.
§ 本子 in school
In school, 本子 is probably the most common way to refer to an exercise book or a notebook for taking notes. Kids use them all the time.
请把你的本子
This means: "Please take out your notebook." (qǐng bǎ nǐ de běnzi ná chūlái.)
这个练习写在本子上。
This means: "Write this exercise in the notebook." (zhège liànxí xiě zài běnzi shàng.)
§ 本子 in daily life and work
Outside of school, you still use 本子 for anything that serves as a personal record or place to jot things down. Think of a small diary, a memo book, or even a sketchpad.
我的本子不见了。
This means: "My notebook is lost." (wǒ de běnzi bù jiàn le.)
她喜欢在小本子上画画。
This means: "She likes to draw in a small notebook." (tā xǐhuān zài xiǎo běnzi shàng huà huà.)
§ Common phrases with 本子
Here are some common ways 本子 is used:
- 一本本子 (yī běn běnzi): one notebook (Remember, 本 is the measure word for 本子).
- 买本子 (mǎi běnzi): to buy a notebook.
- 写本子 (xiě běnzi): to write in a notebook.
- 翻本子 (fān běnzi): to flip through a notebook.
我要去买几本本子。
This means: "I need to go buy a few notebooks." (wǒ yào qù mǎi jǐ běn běnzi.)
As you can see, 本子 is a straightforward and useful word. Just remember it generally refers to a plain notebook or exercise book, not a published book.
Le savais-tu ?
The character '本' is a pictograph showing a tree with its roots emphasized by an extra stroke at the bottom, highlighting its 'origin' or 'base'.
Guide de prononciation
- confusing with other 'ben' words like 本 (běn) for 'book' or 'root'
Grammaire à connaître
Measure word + Noun: In Chinese, a measure word is often used between a number and a noun. For '本子', the common measure word is '个' (gè) or '本' (běn). Using '本' is more specific to books and notebooks.
我要一个本子。(Wǒ yào yīgè běnzi.) - I want a notebook. 我要一本本子。(Wǒ yào yīběn běnzi.) - I want a notebook. (More specific)
Possessive Structure '的': To show possession, use '的' (de) after the possessor.
这是我的本子。(Zhè shì wǒ de běnzi.) - This is my notebook.
Question particle '吗': To form a yes/no question, add '吗' (ma) at the end of a declarative sentence.
这是你的本子吗？(Zhè shì nǐ de běnzi ma?) - Is this your notebook?
Adjective + Noun: Adjectives usually come before the noun they modify. No '的' is needed if the adjective is a single character and directly modifies the noun.
这是一个新本子。(Zhè shì yīgè xīn běnzi.) - This is a new notebook.
Verbs of existence '有' and '没有': '有' (yǒu) means 'to have' or 'there is/are'. '没有' (méiyǒu) means 'to not have' or 'there is/are not'.
我有一个本子。(Wǒ yǒu yīgè běnzi.) - I have a notebook. 我没有本子。(Wǒ méiyǒu běnzi.) - I don't have a notebook.
Exemples par niveau
我的本子里有你的电话号码。
My notebook has your phone number.
Possessive particle '的' (de) is used to show possession.
这个本子很漂亮，我很喜欢。
This notebook is very beautiful, I like it very much.
'很' (hěn) means 'very'.
老师让学生们拿出本子。
The teacher asked the students to take out their notebooks.
'让' (ràng) means 'to let' or 'to ask someone to do something'.
请把你的本子递给我。
Please hand me your notebook.
'请' (qǐng) means 'please'.
我买了一个新的本子。
I bought a new notebook.
'一个' (yī gè) means 'one' or 'a', '个' is a common measure word.
他在本子上写下了一些笔记。
He wrote down some notes in the notebook.
'在...上' (zài...shàng) means 'on'.
我的本子不见了，你看到了吗？
My notebook is gone, have you seen it?
'不见了' (bù jiàn le) means 'is gone' or 'disappeared'.
这个本子是用来画画的。
This notebook is for drawing.
'是用来...的' (shì yòng lái...de) indicates purpose.
我需要一个新本子来记笔记。
I need a new notebook to take notes.
这个本子很漂亮，我喜欢它的封面。
This notebook is beautiful, I like its cover.
请把你的名字写在本子上。
Please write your name on the notebook.
老师收走了我们的本子检查作业。
The teacher collected our notebooks to check homework.
我的本子里画满了涂鸦。
My notebook is full of doodles.
她总是随身带着一个小本子。
She always carries a small notebook with her.
这个本子适合用来画草图。
This notebook is suitable for sketching.
我把重要的信息都写在本子上了。
I wrote all the important information in the notebook.
我需要一个新本子来记笔记。
I need a new notebook to take notes.
这个本子太旧了，我想换一个新的。
This notebook is too old, I want to replace it with a new one.
请把你的名字写在本子上。
Please write your name on the notebook.
老师检查了我们的本子。
The teacher checked our notebooks.
我喜欢用彩色笔在我的本子上画画。
I like to draw in my notebook with colored pens.
你有没有多余的本子可以借给我？
Do you have an extra notebook you can lend me?
我的本子上写满了我的想法。
My notebook is filled with my thoughts.
他随身带着一个本子，随时记录灵感。
He always carries a notebook to jot down ideas.
我需要一个新本子来记下我的会议笔记。
I need a new notebook to jot down my meeting notes.
本子 (běnzi) is a common noun here, meaning 'notebook'.
这个本子看起来很旧了，里面的纸都泛黄了。
This notebook looks very old; the paper inside has all turned yellow.
泛黄 (fànhuáng) means 'to turn yellow', often used to describe old paper or photographs.
她在本子上画了一个可爱的卡通人物。
She drew a cute cartoon character in the notebook.
画 (huà) means 'to draw' or 'to paint'.
请把你的联系方式写在这个本子上。
Please write your contact information in this notebook.
联系方式 (liánxì fāngshì) means 'contact information'.
我找不到我的本子了，可能落在办公室里了。
I can't find my notebook; it might have been left in the office.
落在 (luòzài) means 'to be left behind' or 'to fall on'.
这个本子的封面设计很独特，我很喜欢。
The cover design of this notebook is very unique; I really like it.
封面 (fēngmiàn) means 'cover' (of a book or notebook).
老师要求我们用一个单独的本子来做课堂笔记。
The teacher asked us to use a separate notebook for class notes.
单独的 (dāndú de) means 'separate' or 'individual'.
她小心翼翼地把重要的信息抄写在本子上。
She carefully copied the important information into the notebook.
小心翼翼 (xiǎoxīnyìyì) is an idiom meaning 'carefully' or 'with great caution'.
Famille de mots
Noms
Origine du mot
From '本' (běn) meaning 'root, origin, basis' or a classifier for books/volumes, and '子' (zi) a diminutive suffix often used to make nouns more approachable or specific.
Sens originel : Originally, '本' could refer to a book or a volume. The addition of '子' specifies it as a small book or notebook.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic, MandarinContexte culturel
In Chinese culture, notebooks (本子) are fundamental tools in education and daily life. Students at all levels extensively use them for taking notes, practicing characters, and completing homework. They symbolize diligence and a commitment to learning. Beyond academics, notebooks are widely used for journaling, planning, and documenting various aspects of daily life, reflecting their practical and indispensable role.
Teste-toi 72 questions
This is a notebook.
Where is my notebook?
Please give me a notebook.
Read this aloud:
我有一个本子。
Focus: 本子 (běnzi)
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
这个本子是新的。
Focus: 新 (xīn)
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
我的本子是蓝色的。
Focus: 蓝色 (lánsè)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The correct order is 'This is my notebook'.
The correct order is 'Do you have a notebook?'.
The correct order is 'She bought a notebook'.
Choose the correct word for 'notebook'.
书 (shū) means book, 笔 (bǐ) means pen, and 纸 (zhǐ) means paper. 本子 (běnzi) is the correct word for notebook.
Which sentence correctly uses '本子'?
You 'have' a notebook (有一个), not eat, drink, or wear it.
If you want to say 'This notebook is very new', which word would you use for 'notebook'?
本子 (běnzi) means notebook. 书 (shū) is book, 笔 (bǐ) is pen, and 桌子 (zhuōzi) is table.
The word '本子' (běnzi) means 'book'.
No, '本子' (běnzi) means 'notebook'. '书' (shū) means 'book'.
You can use '本子' to refer to a small paper pad for writing notes.
Yes, '本子' is commonly used for notebooks or notepads.
If someone asks '你有本子吗？' (Nǐ yǒu běnzi ma?), they are asking if you have a pen.
No, they are asking if you have a notebook. '笔' (bǐ) is pen.
You are making a shopping list for school supplies. Include '本子' (notebook) and at least two other items you would buy. Write your list in Chinese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
购物清单： 一个本子 两支笔 一本中文书
Describe your favorite notebook. What color is it? What do you use it for? Write 2-3 sentences in Chinese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我有一个蓝色的本子。我用它来写日记。我很喜欢我的本子。
Imagine you are lending a notebook to a friend. Write a short sentence in Chinese telling them to return it later.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
请你以后把本子还给我。
小明用他的本子做什么？
Read this passage:
小明有一个新的本子。他用这个本子画画。他的本子是红色的，很好看。
小明用他的本子做什么？
文章中提到 '他用这个本子画画' (He uses this notebook to draw).
文章中提到 '他用这个本子画画' (He uses this notebook to draw).
学生们做了什么？
Read this passage:
老师说：“请大家拿出你们的本子和笔。” 学生们都把本子和笔放在桌子上。
学生们做了什么？
文章中提到 '学生们都把本子和笔放在桌子上' (The students all put their notebooks and pens on the desk).
文章中提到 '学生们都把本子和笔放在桌子上' (The students all put their notebooks and pens on the desk).
我的包里有什么？
Read this passage:
我的包里有两本书和一个本子。我每天都带着它们去学校。
我的包里有什么？
文章中提到 '我的包里有两本书和一个本子' (In my bag, there are two books and one notebook).
文章中提到 '我的包里有两本书和一个本子' (In my bag, there are two books and one notebook).
The correct order is 'I want to buy a notebook'. Subject + Verb + Object.
The correct order is 'Please write words on the notebook'. '在' (zài) is a preposition indicating location.
The correct order is 'Can I borrow your notebook for a bit?'. '借用' (jièyòng) means to borrow.
她把重要的笔记写在______上。
本子 (běnzi) means notebook, which is the most suitable place for writing important notes among the options.
老师让学生们拿出______，准备听写。
本子 (běnzi) means notebook. Teachers usually ask students to take out their notebooks for dictation (听写 tīngxiě).
我买了一个新的______，用来画画。
本子 (běnzi) means notebook. A notebook is a common item used for drawing.
你可以在本子上写字。
本子 (běnzi) is a notebook, and it is used for writing.
本子通常用来听音乐。
本子 (běnzi) is a notebook, which is typically used for writing or drawing, not for listening to music.
图书馆里有很多本子。
While libraries have books (书 shū), they don't usually have many blank notebooks (本子 běnzi) for people to use.
You are preparing for an important meeting. Write a short paragraph describing what you will put in your notebook to prepare. Include at least two items.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
开会前，我会在本子上写下重要的会议议程和需要讨论的问题。我还会记下一些关键的数字和数据，以备不时之需。
Imagine you are teaching a friend how to draw. Write a short explanation of why it's good to use a notebook for sketching practice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
用本子练习画画很方便。你可以随时随地拿出本子，画下你的想法和观察。它能帮助你更好地记录灵感，并不断提高你的绘画技巧。
Describe a time when a notebook was particularly useful to you. What did you use it for?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
有一次我出去旅行，我的手机没电了，但我需要记住一些重要的信息。幸好我随身带着一个本子，我用它记录下了酒店的地址和电话号码，还有一些旅游计划，帮了我大忙。
小明为什么喜欢用本子写日记？
Read this passage:
小明喜欢收集各种各样的本子。他的书架上摆满了不同颜色和大小的本子。他最喜欢用一个蓝色的本子写日记。他觉得把每天发生的事情记录在本子里，可以帮助他更好地思考。
小明为什么喜欢用本子写日记？
文章中提到“他觉得把每天发生的事情记录在本子里，可以帮助他更好地思考。”
文章中提到“他觉得把每天发生的事情记录在本子里，可以帮助他更好地思考。”
老师为什么要求同学们带本子？
Read this passage:
老师要求同学们每天都要在课堂上带一个本子。这个本子是用来做笔记的。如果有人没有带本子，老师会提醒他们下次一定要带。这样做是为了让同学们养成良好的学习习惯。
老师为什么要求同学们带本子？
文章中明确指出“这个本子是用来做笔记的。”
文章中明确指出“这个本子是用来做笔记的。”
小芳用她的特别本子做什么？
Read this passage:
我朋友小芳有一个很特别的本子。她用这个本子来记录她的梦想和目标。每当她实现一个目标，她就会在本子上打一个勾。她说这让她感到非常有成就感，并且激励她继续努力。
小芳用她的特别本子做什么？
文章中提到“她用这个本子来记录她的梦想和目标。”
文章中提到“她用这个本子来记录她的梦想和目标。”
This sentence structure is typical for indicating where something is placed. '把' is a common Chinese grammatical particle.
'请' (please) followed by the subject and the '把' structure for an imperative request.
A simple descriptive question using '是...的' to emphasize an attribute and '吗' for a yes/no question.
The teacher is asking the students to take out something.
Someone needs to buy something because the old one is finished.
The speaker is describing the appearance of a '本子'.
Read this aloud:
你的本子是不是丢了？
Focus: bén zǐ
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我喜欢用不同颜色的本子来分类我的笔记。
Focus: bù tóng yán sè de
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
请把你的名字写在本子的第一页上。
Focus: dì yī yè shàng
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are a detective. You found a mysterious notebook at a crime scene. Describe the notebook and what you think it might contain. Use '本子' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我在犯罪现场发现了一个旧本子，封面是深绿色的，看起来有些磨损。本子里似乎有潦草的笔记和一些奇怪的符号，我怀疑这可能包含了重要的线索。
You are a student preparing for a major exam. Describe how you use your notebook ('本子') to study effectively. What kind of notes do you take? How does it help you?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
为了准备期末考试，我习惯用一个大本子来整理我的学习笔记。我会在里面写下重点、公式和常犯的错误。这个本子帮助我系统地复习，大大提高了我的学习效率。
You are designing a new type of smart notebook. What innovative features would it have? How would it differ from a traditional notebook ('本子')?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我正在设计一款智能本子，它最大的特点是能够实时同步手写内容到云端，并且可以通过语音指令进行搜索。与传统本子相比，它不仅环保，还能大大提高信息管理和分享的便捷性。
根据短文，小明认为本子最重要的功能是什么？
Read this passage:
小明喜欢收集各种各样的本子。他的书桌上堆满了从世界各地买来的纪念本。每个本子都有其独特的故事，记录着他旅行的足迹和生活中的点滴感悟。他认为，本子不仅仅是记录文字的工具，更是承载记忆和情感的容器。
根据短文，小明认为本子最重要的功能是什么？
短文最后一句明确指出：“本子不仅仅是记录文字的工具，更是承载记忆和情感的容器。”
短文最后一句明确指出：“本子不仅仅是记录文字的工具，更是承载记忆和情感的容器。”
以下哪项是关于本子演变过程的正确说法？
Read this passage:
在古代，纸张昂贵，人们用竹简或丝帛来记录。随着造纸术的发展，本子逐渐普及。现代社会虽然电子设备盛行，但手写本子依然有其独特的魅力，许多人喜欢用它来规划日程、创作和思考。
以下哪项是关于本子演变过程的正确说法？
短文指出：“现代社会虽然电子设备盛行，但手写本子依然有其独特的魅力。”
短文指出：“现代社会虽然电子设备盛行，但手写本子依然有其独特的魅力。”
这位作家随身携带本子的主要目的是什么？
Read this passage:
一位作家曾说：“我的创作灵感，多半来自那些不期而遇的瞬间。我总是随身带着一个小本子，随时记录下闪现的思绪、有趣的对话或看到的画面。这个本子是我的‘思维储存库’，没有它，许多好故事可能就此消散。”
这位作家随身携带本子的主要目的是什么？
短文明确提到：“我总是随身带着一个小本子，随时记录下闪现的思绪、有趣的对话或看到的画面。”
短文明确提到：“我总是随身带着一个小本子，随时记录下闪现的思绪、有趣的对话或看到的画面。”
The correct order is '这个' (this) + '旧' (old) + '本子' (notebook) + '是' (is) + '我的' (mine). This forms the sentence 'This old notebook is mine.'
The correct order is '她' (she) + '在' (at/in) + '一个' (a/an) + '新' (new) + '的' (possessive/attributive particle) + '本子' (notebook) + '里面' (inside) + '写字' (write characters). This translates to 'She is writing in a new notebook.'
The correct order is '请' (please) + '把' (disposal marker) + '桌子' (table) + '上' (on) + '的' (attributive particle) + '本子' (notebook) + '递给' (pass to) + '我' (me). This means 'Please pass me the notebook on the table.'
The speaker is talking about a notebook they've used for a long time.
Someone is asking for a notebook to check notes.
The speaker uses different colored notebooks for different subjects.
Read this aloud:
我的本子上写满了我的学习计划。
Focus: 本子 (běnzi)
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
你有没有多余的本子可以借我用一下？
Focus: 多余 (duōyú)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
这个本子的封面设计很独特，我很喜欢。
Focus: 独特 (dútè)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 72 correct
Perfect score!
Exemple
我想买一个新本子。
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
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教学楼
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学年
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学术
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习得
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录取
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