我们本来是想抄一本的
“We originally wanted to copy it.”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
那不就是一本书吗
“It's just a book.”
我们 本来是想抄一本的
“We originally wanted to copy it.”
可是没有时间
“But we didn't have time.”
Direct spoken expression in this communicative setting.
In historical China, hand-copying rare manuscripts and martial manuals was the standard way to preserve and share knowledge.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
originally intended to
Crucial pattern indicating an initial plan that was disrupted or unrealized due to unexpected obstacles.
hand-copy a volume
Uses the verbal measure word structure (抄 + 一本) to indicate copying an entire book.
Functions in the '是...的' construction to assert and validate the truth of the past intention.
VOCABULARY & EXPRESSIONS
Parallel Spoken Cinema Scenes (语义近邻切片)
“for more than a simple visit.”
“But that was only the original plan.”
“You once had it too.”
“I thought you just wanted to take over the ink workshop.”
“You originally wanted to be a gentleman,”
“want to copy a few books.”