Definition
原因 is the general, neutral word for 'reason' or 'cause' — the most common and versatile choice. 理由 emphasizes a justification or excuse for an action, while 缘故 is more literary and often used in fixed phrases. 根源 means 'root cause' and is stronger, focusing on the origin of a problem.
noun
reasoncause
Measure word · 个
Examples
- 原因？Nǐ zhīdao tā shēngbìng de yuán yīn ma?Do you know the reason why he got sick?
- 原因。Zhè jiàn shì de yuán yīn hěn jiǎndān.The reason for this matter is very simple.
- 原因。Wǒmen yào zhǎo chū wèntí de yí ge yuán yīn.We need to find one cause of the problem.
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