本 běn
“root; stem; origin”
pronoun, measure word, adverb, nounHSK 1 · 2021 list level 1
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
本 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entries. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 10: 本1 běn — Level 1; official annotation 1 (量). PDF page 80
- Entry 2040: 本2 běn — Level 5; official annotation 5 (副、代). PDF page 130
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 本
本 is the measure word used for books, notebooks, dictionaries, magazines and similar bound printed items. It goes between the number or demonstrative (一、三、这、那) and the noun: 三本书、这本词典. It is also used in counting pages of a book, but at this level you mainly use it to count books.
例句Example sentences
- 我有一本汉语书。wǒ yǒu yì běn hàn yǔ shū.I have a Chinese textbook.
- 这本词典很好。zhè běn cí diǎn hěn hǎo.This dictionary is very good.
- 桌子上有两本杂志。zhuō zi shàng yǒu liǎng běn zá zhì.There are two magazines on the table.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗我买了两本的书。
✓我买了两本书。
The measure word comes directly before the noun; no 的 is used here.