因 (yīn) - cause, reason & because of

因Tone 1

yīn ｜ 6 strokes ｜ radical: 囗

懿嘤

因 · yīn

cause, reason;

because of;

follow, rely on;

according to;

due to;

factor

cause, reasonbecause offollow, rely on

Usage highlights

becausereasonthereforefactorcausal relationshipaccording to

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 果— effect, result
  • 结果— result, outcome

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Because of the rain, we stayed home (因为下雨).
  • There are many factors to consider (各种因素).
  • This is the result (因此).
  • We must find the cause (原因).

Collocations

  • because(因为)
  • reason(原因)
  • therefore(因此)
  • factor(因素)
  • causal relationship(因果关系)
  • according to(依据)

Idioms

  • Cause and effect(因果报应)
  • Follow established practices(因循守旧)
  • Act according to circumstances(因地制宜)
  • Make the best use of the situation(因势利导)
  • Follow the old routine(因循苟且)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Buddhist philosophy, 因 represents cause in the law of cause and effect (因果).
  • Traditionally used in Confucian texts to denote following established principles and precedents.
  • Appears in military strategy texts meaning to adapt to circumstances and exploit advantages.

FAQ