起因 (qǐ yīn) — cause, reason (for something to happen)

Definition

起因 (qǐyīn) is a formal, written noun for the 'cause' or 'origin' of an event — used in news, reports, and analysis, more abstract and literary than everyday 原因.

noun
causereason (for something to happen)

Examples

  • 起因
    Shì gù de qǐ yīn shì shén me?
    What is the cause of the accident?
  • 起因
    Zhè cì huǒ zāi de qǐ yīn hái zài diào chá.
    The cause of this fire is still under investigation.
  • 起因
    Tā shēng bìng de qǐ yīn yǒu hěn duō.
    There are many reasons for his illness.

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