之所以 zhīsuǒyǐ the reason why N P
(after a noun N and before a predicate P) the reason why N P; Example: 我之所以讨厌他 "the reason why I dislike him (is ...)"
How to remember 之所以: 之 of + 所 place + 以 to use = the reason why N P.
Characters
How it is used
- Sets up 'the reason why...' in the frame 之所以 ... 是因为 - 他之所以成功，是因为努力 (tā zhīsuǒyǐ chénggōng, shì yīnwèi nǔlì) the reason he succeeded is that he worked hard.
- Fronts the result first, then gives the cause; formal/written, good for emphasis in essays.
- Comes right after the subject; the cause clause typically follows with 是因为 or 是由于.