conjunction HSK 1
Traditional 因為
because · due to · on account of
Meaning
因为 is the most common way to express 'because' in Mandarin Chinese. It introduces the reason or cause for something. It is frequently paired with 所以 (suǒ yǐ, 'therefore') in a 'because...therefore' structure, though 所以 can be omitted in casual speech.
Usage
因为 typically appears at the beginning of a clause or sentence, though it can also come mid-sentence. In formal writing and speech, the paired structure 因为...所以... is preferred. In casual conversation, speakers often use 因为 alone without 所以. This conjunction works for both subjective reasoning and objective causation.
Examples
- 01因为下雨了，所以我没去公园。, .Because it rained, I didn't go to the park.
- 02我喜欢这个城市，因为这里的人很友好。, .I like this city because the people here are very friendly.
Characters
Common collocations
- 因为...所以...... ...because...therefore...
- 就因为precisely because
- 正因为exactly because
Origin
因 originally meant 'cause' or 'reason' in Classical Chinese, while 为 meant 'for' or 'on behalf of'. Together they form a compound meaning 'for the reason that' or 'because'.