yīnwèi
standard
In pinyin "because" is yīnwèi (因为). It often pairs with suǒyǐ (所以), "so", in the same sentence. It is also called yóuyú.
Meaning: because (conjunction)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Note |
|---|---|
| yīnwèi | standard |
| yóuyú | formal, written |
Which one should you use?
Yóuyú (由于) is a formal alternative that shows up more in writing, reports and news.
How does it change in a sentence?
Chinese commonly puts the reason first: Yīnwèi xià yǔ, suǒyǐ wǒmen bú qù means "Because it is raining, so we are not going". Using only one of the two words is also fine.
Did you know?
- Yīnwèi and suǒyǐ are both used in one sentence in Chinese, unlike English where "because" and "so" together sound wrong.
Examples in context
- Yīnwèi xià yǔ, suǒyǐ wǒmen bú qù.Because it is raining, we are not going.
- Wǒ méi lái, yīnwèi wǒ shēngbìng le.I did not come because I was sick.
Example conversation
Jun asks his classmate Mei why she was absent.
- JunNǐ zuótiān wèishénme méi lái?Why did you not come yesterday?
- MeiYīnwèi wǒ shēngbìng le.Because I was sick.
- JunXiànzài hǎo le ma?Are you better now?
