理由 lǐyóu reason
reason; grounds; justification
How to remember 理由: 理 reason + 由 because = reason.
Characters
How it is used
- A reason / justification for doing something - 没有理由 (méiyǒu lǐyóu) there's no reason; 找借口和理由 excuses and reasons.
- Contrast 原因 (yuányīn, cause): 理由 is the grounds you give to justify an action or opinion; 原因 is the objective cause of a result.
- Pairs with 充分 (充分的理由 sufficient grounds), 正当 (legitimate reason).
Example sentences
- 他们不需要理由。 Tāmen bù xūyào lǐyóu.They don't need a reason.
- 他迟到没有理由。 Tā chídào méiyǒu lǐyóu.He has no reason to be late.
- 我有理由相信他会成功。 Wǒ yǒu lǐyóu xiāngxìn tā huì chénggōng.I have reason to believe that he will succeed.