Meaning
所以 is one of the most common conjunctions in Chinese, used to indicate a result or conclusion that follows logically from what was just stated. It connects cause and effect, similar to 'so' or 'therefore' in English. It's essential for expressing logical reasoning in everyday conversation.
Usage
所以 typically appears at the beginning of the second clause in a sentence, after the cause has been stated. It's often paired with 因为 (yīnwèi, 'because') in a 因为...所以... structure, though 所以 can stand alone. Very common in both spoken and written Chinese across all registers. Native speakers use it constantly to explain reasons and draw conclusions.
Examples
- 01因为下雨了，所以我没去跑步。, .Because it rained, so I didn't go jogging.
- 02他很累，所以早点儿睡了。, .He was very tired, so he went to bed early.
Characters
Common collocations
- 因为...所以...... ...because... therefore...
- 所以说that's why (I say)
- 这就是为什么...所以...... ...this is why... so...
Origin
Literally means 'that by which' or 'the means by which,' combining 所 (that which) and 以 (by means of). This classical construction evolved to indicate logical consequence.