所以
suǒyǐ
The Chinese word for "so" is 所以 (suǒyǐ).
所以 is a conjunction used to introduce a logical consequence or a result that follows from a previously stated cause.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 所 (suǒ), a particle often used to form nominalized phrases and 以 (yǐ), meaning "by means of" or "to use". Literally, the term means "by means of which".
Which one should you use?
While 所以 emphasizes a logical cause-and-effect relationship, 于是 (yúshì) is used to describe a sequence of events where one action leads naturally to the next in a narrative, translated as "and then" or "consequently".
How does it change in a sentence?
In formal or complete logical structures, 所以 is frequently paired with 因为 (yīnwèi) to form the "because… so…" (因为…所以…) construction.
How do you pronounce it?
suǒyǐ
Did you know?
- While English speakers often start a sentence with 'So…' to introduce a new topic, using 所以 this way in Chinese can sound overly argumentative or like you are demanding a conclusion.
- The word 所以 is used in the common phrase 之所以 (zhī suǒ yǐ), which flips the logic to mean 'the reason why'.
- The character 所以 can be used in a classical sense to mean 'the place where' or 'the reason for', reflecting its ancient roots as a noun rather than just a conjunction.
Examples in context
- 所以他沒有去學校。So he didn't go to school.This example shows how to use 所以 to state a result.Tatoeba #4732069 by egg0073, translation #2584053 by FeuDRenais2
- 所以，哪里有问题？So, where's the problem?This example shows how to use 所以 to start a question about a problem.Tatoeba #9963074 by GlossaMatik, translation #2663551 by CK
- 我是同性恋，所以呢？I'm gay, so?This example shows how to use 所以 in a rhetorical or challenging way.Tatoeba #10153701 by GlossaMatik, translation #703020 by andresevargas
- 他学习很用功，因此考试成绩很好。He studied hard, so his exam results were excellent.
- 我很忙，所以没时间去你的生日派对。I am busy, so I don't have time to attend your birthday party.
- 为此，我们需要采取更多的保护措施。So, we need to take more protective measures.
- 你很喜欢音乐，那么你应该去参加音乐会。You really like music, so you should go to the concert.
- 146 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking about why Wei is staying late at the office.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen伟，你为什么还不回家？Wěi, nǐ wèishéme hái bù huí jiā?Wei, why aren't you going home yet?
- 伟 Wei我还有很多工作，所以要加班。Wǒ hái yǒu hěnduō gōngzuò, suǒyǐ yào jiābān.I still have a lot of work, so I have to work overtime.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen太辛苦了，快点做完回家吧。Tài xīnkǔ le, kuài diǎn zuò wán huí jiā ba.That's too hard, finish up quickly and go home.
- 伟 Wei好的，谢谢你的关心。Hǎo de, xièxiè nǐ de guānxīn.Okay, thank you for your concern.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
