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preposition / verb HSK 4
yóu
by · from · due to · to be up to

Meaning

由 is a versatile preposition that indicates the source, cause, or agent of an action. It commonly introduces who does something, what causes something, or where something comes from. As a verb, it can mean 'to be up to' someone to decide.

Usage

由 frequently appears in formal and written Chinese to show causation (由于 'due to') or agency ('由...来做' meaning 'to be done by'). It's used to indicate who is responsible for an action or decision. Common in passive-like constructions where English would use 'by'.

Examples

  1. 01
    这个项目由她负责。
    Zhège xiàngmù yóu tā fùzé.
    This project is handled by her.
  2. 02
    中国由五十六个民族组成。
    Zhōngguó yóu wǔshíliù gè mínzú zǔchéng.
    China is composed of fifty-six ethnic groups.

Common collocations

  • 由...组成
    yóu ... zǔchéng
    to be composed of...
  • 由...决定
    yóu ... juédìng
    to be decided by...
  • 由...负责
    yóu ... fùzé
    to be responsible by...
  • 由此可见
    yóu cǐ kě jiàn
    from this it can be seen that

Origin

The character 由 originally depicted a sprout emerging from a field, suggesting the idea of origin or source, which evolved into its modern meanings of 'from' and 'by'.

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