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March 24, 2026
本事běnshi(ben3shi5)
本事 (běn shì) refers to a person's ability or skill in a particular area. It can also denote the original source or material from which something is derived, such as a story or concept. This term is commonly used to highlight someone's competence or expertise.
Frequency#4014DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
The concept of 本事 is often tied to the Chinese value of mastery and expertise, reflecting the importance placed on skills in both personal and professional realms. This aligns with cultural attitudes towards education and training.
Memory Tip
Think of 本 (běn) as representing 'root' or 'origin' and 事 (shì) as 'matter' or 'thing'. Imagine a tree (the root) growing strong skills (the branches), where the tree's abilities stem from its roots. This imagery connects the pronunciation and meaning together.
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AI Study Notes for 本事
Quick Contrast
能耐 (néngnài) - use 本事 when emphasizing a learned skill or ability, while 能耐 often refers to innate talent or endurance.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 本 (běn) as representing 'root' or 'origin' and 事 (shì) as 'matter' or 'thing'. Imagine a tree (the root) growing strong skills (the branches), where the tree's abilities stem from its roots. This imagery connects the pronunciation and meaning together.
Usage Notes
本事 is often used in informal contexts to discuss someone's skills, but it can also appear in more formal discussions about expertise. Common collocations include phrases like '他的本事很大' (his skills are impressive). Be cautious with tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 本事 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to abilities and skills, such as 能力 (néng lì, ability) and 技能 (jì néng, skill). Focus on using 本事 in context to describe expertise in various fields.
Cultural Note
The concept of 本事 is often tied to the Chinese value of mastery and expertise, reflecting the importance placed on skills in both personal and professional realms. This aligns with cultural attitudes towards education and training.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 本事 with 能力, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '他的能力很大' instead of the more contextually appropriate '他的本事很大' can sound unnatural.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 本事
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Grammar Patterns of 本事
本事 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
It was just good luck, that's all — I don't have any real skill.
Example Sentences for 本事 (3)
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1
他在北海学会了潜水员这一行的本事。
tā zài běi hǎi xué huì le qián shuǐ yuán zhè yī háng de běn shì。
He learnt his trade as a diver in the North Sea.
2
她奶奶有逗人开心的本事。
tā nǎi nǎi yǒu dòu rén kāi xīn de běn shì。
Her grandmother had the gift of making people happy.
3
谁有那本事一手收起婴儿推车，一手抱着刚会走路的孩子，还得提着刚买的东西，然后挤上公共汽车？
shuí yǒu nà běn shì yī shǒu shōu qǐ yīng ér tuī chē， ， yī shǒu bào zháo gāng huì zǒu lù de hái， zǐ ， huán dé tí zháo gāng mǎi de， dōng xī ， rán hòu jǐ shàng gōng？
Who can fold up a pushchair, toddler and shopping and then get them all onto the bus?
Cultural Notes for 本事
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 本事 is often tied to the Chinese value of mastery and expertise, reflecting the importance placed on skills in both personal and professional realms. This aligns with cultural attitudes towards education and training.
Frequently Asked Questions about 本事
You can say, '他在这方面的本事很大,' meaning 'He has great skills in this area.'
本事 is primarily used in informal contexts, but it can also be appropriate in more formal discussions about someone's abilities.
While both refer to ability, 本事 emphasizes practical skills and expertise, whereas 能力 is a broader term for capability.
