Definition
由来 (yóu lái) means 'origin' and focuses on the historical background or story behind a custom, name, or phenomenon. It is a noun used in formal or written contexts, similar to 起源 (qǐ yuán) but 起源 can also be a verb ('to originate from').
noun
origin (of a custom, name, phenomenon, etc.)
Examples
- 由来？Nǐ zhīdào zhège jiérì de yóu lái ma?Do you know the origin of this festival?
- 由来。Zhège dìmíng de yóu lái yǔ yí wèi lìshǐ rénwù yǒuguān.The origin of this place name is related to a historical figure.
- 由来。Wǒmen yào liǎojiě zhè zhǒng xísú de yóu lái.We need to understand the origin of this custom.
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