原因 yuányīn cause
cause; reason
How to remember 原因: 原 original + 因 because = cause.
Characters
How it is used
- 'Cause, reason' - 失败的原因 (shībài de yuányīn) the reason for the failure; 什么原因? (shénme yuányīn?) for what reason?
- Contrast 理由 (lǐyóu): 原因 is the objective cause (why something happened), 理由 is a justification/grounds one gives.
- Pairs with 结果 (jiéguǒ) result in 原因和结果 cause and effect.
Example sentences
- 我明白原因。 Wǒ míngbái yuányīn.I understand why.
- 是什么原因？ Shì shénme yuányīn?What's causing it?
- 你迟到是什么原因？ Nǐ chídào shì shénme yuányīn?What's your reason for being late?