因为因為 yīnwèi — because
yīnwèi (first tone, high and level)yin1wei4
Traditional: 因為
because
HSK 2· HSK 1–4 (classic)Level 2· Three-band, nine-level standardconjunction
Meanings
because
Introduces a reason. In Chinese the cause normally comes first and 所以 opens the result: 因为下雨，所以我们没去. It can also follow the result, as an afterthought.
conjunction
Example sentences
- 因为下雨，所以我们没去。因為下雨，所以我們沒去。Yīnwèi (first tone, high and level) xià (fourth tone, falling) yǔ, (third tone, dipping) suǒyǐ (third tone, dipping) wǒmen (third tone, dipping) méi (second tone, rising) qù. (fourth tone, falling)···
We didn’t go because it was raining.
- 他没来，因为他生病了。他沒來，因為他生病了。Tā (first tone, high and level) méi (second tone, rising) lái, (second tone, rising) yīnwèi (first tone, high and level) tā (first tone, high and level) shēngbìng (first tone, high and level) le. (neutral tone)···
He didn’t come because he was ill.
Common mistakes
Not quite因为他很忙，可是他没来。
Correct因为他很忙，所以他没来。
因为 pairs with 所以, which introduces the consequence. 可是 and 但是 belong with 虽然, where the second clause runs against the first.