HSK 3

由于、因为

yóu yú 、 yīn wèi

由于 (yóuyú) and 因为 (yīnwèi): Indicating cause

Explanation

由于 (yóuyú) and 因为 (yīnwèi) are both conjunctions (a conjunction → a word that connects words or clauses) indicating cause, equivalent to "because / due to" in Vietnamese.

Structure

由于/因为 + cause, (所以 suǒyǐ – so) + result. 由于 usually comes at the start of the sentence; 因为 can come at the start of the sentence or after the subject (the subject → the person or thing performing, at the start of the sentence), as in 他因为这件事... (Because of this matter, he...).

When to use

由于 is formal, leaning toward written language and serious contexts; 因为 is common in both everyday speech and writing.

Distinguish

由于 almost always comes at the start of the sentence and is rarely placed after the subject; 因为 is more flexible and can go in either position. The result clause of 由于 usually pairs with 因此 (yīncǐ) or 所以, while 因为 pairs with 所以.

Common mistakes

don't string together "由于... nên..." in the Vietnamese way and lose the logic; also avoid using 由于 after the subject in colloquial speech (say 他因为... not 他由于...).

Examples

由于各种原因,大家没有接受他的意见。
yóuzhǒngyuányīnjiāméiyǒujiēshòudejiàn

Due to various reasons, everyone did not accept his opinion.

他因为这件事一直不跟我说话。
yīnwèizhèjiànshìzhígēnshuōhuà

Because of this matter, he has kept refusing to talk to me.

Practice

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Learn “由于、因为” effectively

The grammar point “由于、因为” (由于 (yóuyú) and 因为 (yīnwèi): Indicating cause) is one of the key structures at HSK 3. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.

Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.

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