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 ·

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.

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