因素 yīnsù element
element; factor
How to remember 因素: 因 because + 素 plain = element.
Characters
How it is used
- A factor / element contributing to something - 重要因素 (zhòngyào yīnsù) an important factor; 考虑各种因素 (kǎolǜ gè zhǒng yīnsù) weigh various factors.
- Abstract cause/contributor to an outcome. Contrast 原因 (yuányīn, the reason/cause) - 因素 is one of several contributing elements, 原因 is the reason why.
- Common: 客观因素 (kèguān yīnsù) objective factors.