本 is 木 (tree) with a short horizontal stroke at the bottom, marking the roots. That mark points to the base or origin, which is why 本 means 'root,' 'origin,' or 'this very.' This is a genuine pictograph, not folk etymology.
Books are counted with 本, not the general measure word 个.
本子 means 'notebook' and 书 means 'book'; combining them is redundant and unnatural.
本 has an extra horizontal stroke at the bottom of 木, turning 'tree' into 'root/origin'.
| Character | Meaning | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| 木 | tree, wood | tree with branches and roots |
| 本 | root, origin, counter for books | tree with a mark at the base |
Use 本 to count books, notebooks, and similar bound items.
| Phrase | Natural? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 一本书 | Natural | Correct measure word for books |
| 一个书 | Avoid | 个 is too general; use 本 |
| 两本本子 | Natural | 本 counts notebooks |
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据说方便面被 日本 评为二十世纪最伟大的发明之一。
可是，根据前几年的有关数据，中国方便面的年人平均消费量是三十五份，远不如 日本 ，甚至还不到韩国的一半。
就是说方便面里面 基本 没有水，所以就算在里面什么“东西”也不加，它也不会长毛变坏。
误会三：含油量不利于健康我国一般著名品牌的油炸方便面的含油率为18%至20%，与国际上 基本 相同。
Learn the fascinating story behind the Chinese idiom '东山再起' (Dongshan Zaiji), which means to make a comeback. Discover its historical roots and modern usage.
“东山再起”这个成语的 本意 是一个人失败以后或从高的地位落到低的地位以后，重新回到成功的位置。
This playful poem helps you count and practice vocabulary about clothes, students, and pets. Enjoy the rhythm while learning new words.
一两件新衣服， 两三本 汉语书。
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