TongTong
Sign in

因为 (yīn wèi) — (conjunction) because; (preposition) because of, due to

Definition

因为 is the everyday 'because' used for clauses and reasons — contrasts with 由于 (yóu yú), which is more formal/written. Pairs with 所以 to introduce a result.

conjunction
because
preposition
because ofdue to

Examples

  • 因为，。
    yīn wèi Xià yǔ, suǒ yǐ wǒ bú qù gōng yuán.
    Because it is raining, I am not going to the park.
  • 因为，。
    yīn wèi Xué xí, suǒ yǐ wǒ hěn máng.
    Because of studying, I am very busy.
  • 因为，。
    yīn wèi Yǒu shì, suǒ yǐ wǒ méi yǒu lái.
    Because I had something to do, I did not come.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

因yīnbecause
为wèifor

因 gives cause, 为 gives the sense of for, so the whole means because.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

  • 囗囗wéisheet
  • 大大dàperson

Originally, 因 showed 大 (a person) on 囗 (a sheet or mattress).

Open 因 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 為; 为 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 為 showed a hand holding an elephant; the simplified 为 is a later shorthand.

Open 为 →

Grammar

Appears in
100 Most Frequent Chinese WordsHSK 3.0 Level 2500 Most Frequent Chinese WordsHSK 2.0 Level 21000 Most Frequent Chinese WordsCause, Effect & Logic

Browse more HSK 2 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.