原来如此
Traditional: 原來如此Everyday expressionCommon
Oh, I see / So that’s how it is
What does 原来如此 mean?
原来如此 — 原来如此 acknowledges a new explanation that resolves confusion.
✓Oh, I see.
✓So that’s what happened.
✓That explains it.
It can sound a little more formal or bookish than 原来是这样, though it is still understood in conversation. It signals understanding, not agreement with every part of what was said.
Character breakdown
Open each character to see its own meanings and vocabulary links.
Real-world examples
1 · Explaining a delay
A: 地铁停了，所以我迟到了。
dìtiě tíng le, suǒyǐ wǒ chídào le.
A: The subway stopped, so I was late.
B: 原来如此，我还以为你忘了。
yuánlái rúcǐ, wǒ hái yǐwéi nǐ wàng le.
B: Oh, I see. I thought you’d forgotten.
2 · Understanding a resemblance
A: 他是她的哥哥。
tā shì tā de gēge.
A: He is her older brother.
B: 原来如此，难怪他们长得像。
yuánlái rúcǐ, nánguài tāmen zhǎng de xiàng.
B: I see. No wonder they look alike.
How to pronounce 原来如此
原来如此
Tap to hear Mandarin.
Usage notes
✓Use it when an explanation changes what you understood.
✓原来 is often “it turns out,” not just “originally.”
✓原来是这样 is a slightly more casual alternative.
Base dictionary data: CC-CEDICT · CC BY-SA 4.0.
Context lesson: Original Chinese Meaning context lesson; examples written for this site.
Context lesson: Original Chinese Meaning context lesson; examples written for this site.