理由 (lǐ yóu) — reason; grounds; justification
Definition
理由 is the reason someone gives to justify a choice or action — an explanation, not a mere cause. Compared to 原因 (the objective cause that produced something), 理由 is what you say to defend or explain a decision.
noun
reasongroundsjustification
Measure word · 个
Examples
- 理由。Tā shuō le yí gè hěn hǎo de lǐ yóu.He gave a very good reason.
- 理由?Nǐ yǒu shén me lǐ yóu bú qù cān jiā?What reason do you have for not attending?
- 理由。Wǒ tóng yì nǐ de lǐ yóu.I agree with your reason.
Appears in
Browse more HSK 5 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.