Catch Phrase | 本命(běnmìng)

Writer: Debra Li  | Editor: Stephanie Yang  | From:  | Updated: 2019-08-12

Meaning:

This term, literally meaning “true destiny,” is used by Chinese fans of South Korean TV shows and movies to refer to their favorite idol. In more general use, it can refer to people or things that a person is especially fond of.

Example:

A: 看不出来,你这么苗条,却这么能吃。

Kàn bù chūlái,nǐ zhème miáotiáo,què zhème néng chī。

I didn’t know you have such a big appetite, since you are so slim.

B: 今天的自助餐我是吃得有点儿撑。

Jīntiān de zìzhùcān wǒ shì chī de yǒudiǎnr chēng。

I’ve overeaten a bit at this dinner buffet.

A: 吃完了吧?咱们准备走。

Chī wán le ba?Zánmen zhǔnbèi zǒu。

Are we done now? Let’s go.

B: 甜品是我的本命,等我去拿最后一块蛋糕。

Tiánpǐn shì wǒ de běnmìng,děng wǒ qù ná zuìhòu yīkuài dàngāo。

Desserts are my favorite. Let me fetch my last piece of cake.