因为 yīnwèi because
How to remember 因为: 因 because + 为 for = because.
Characters
How it is used
- 'Because' - states the reason, often paired: 因为 A，所以 B (yīnwèi…suǒyǐ) because A, therefore B.
- Unlike English, Chinese happily keeps both halves: 因为下雨，所以没去 (yīnwèi xià yǔ, suǒyǐ méi qù) it rained, so I didn't go.
- Answers 为什么 (why); can also trail after the result: 没去，因为下雨了.
Example sentences
- 她不在是因为病了。 Tā bú zài shìyīnwèi bìng le.She's absent because she's sick.
- 因为我病了，所以没去上学。 Yīnwèi wǒ bìng le, suǒyǐ méi qù shàngxué.I didn't go to school because I got sick.
- 因为太冷，她感冒了。 Yīnwèi tài lěng, tā gǎnmào le.It's so cold that she caught a cold.