Yap.Town

本是

was originally

→ 本
phrase Rare #27,668
was originally Describes an original state, identity, or intention, often contrasting it with the present situation.
CH: 他本是个医生，后来成了老师。
EN: He was originally a doctor, but later became a teacher.

“我…本是…我本是…”你本是什么呀？

“I... was originally... I was originally...” What were you originally?

— 霸王别姬 (1993)

这雪茄本是留着庆祝找到钻石抽的

I was saving this cigar to smoke when we found the diamond.

— 泰坦尼克号 (1997)