COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
How 本 is built
Traditional etymology note: A tree 木 with its roots highlighted
More “ben” characters →Link copied to clipboard!
How to Write 本 (běn) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
(bound form) root; stem
běnTone 3 (Dipping)Let your pitch fall, then rise.
Loading stroke data…
Loading handwriting practice…
Save or share this character guide
Link copied to clipboard!
STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 5 strokes in the correct order.
Download PDF
StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
běn
本
(bound form) root; stem
Common words
běn zi
本子
book; notebook; Japanese-style self-published comic (esp. an erotic one), aka "dōjinshi"; edition
kè běn
课本
textbook
běn kē
本科
undergraduate course; undergraduate (attributive)
běn lái
本来
original; originally; at first; it goes without saying
jī běn
基本
basic; fundamental; main; elementary
běn dì
本地
local; this locality
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
本
本
本
本
本
本
本
本
LEARNING TIP
Remember 本
Say “běn” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 5 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
Practice on CanvasWORDS WITH 本
Common words and phrases
běn zi
book; notebook; Japanese-style self-published comic (esp. an erotic one), aka "dōjinshi"; edition
kè běn
textbook
běn kē
undergraduate course; undergraduate (attributive)
běn lái
original; originally; at first; it goes without saying
jī běn
basic; fundamental; main; elementary
běn dì
local; this locality
IN CONTEXT
Example sentences
这个字是“本”。
Zhège zì shì “běn”.
This character is “本”.
我正在学习“本”字。
Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí “běn” zì.
I am learning the character “本”.
请写一遍“本”。
Qǐng xiě yí biàn “běn”.
Please write “本” once.
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 本?
本 is written with 5 strokes.
What does 本 (běn) mean?
本 (běn) means (bound form) root; stem.
What is the radical of 本?
The radical of 本 is 木, associated with Not yet classified.