Stating the effect before the cause

之所以⋯⋯是因为⋯⋯ (zhī suǒyǐ... shì yīnwèi...) can be translated as “the reason why... is because” and can be used if the speaker wishes to state the effect before the cause. It's normally used in somewhat formal speech.

Structure

之所以 ⋯⋯ ，是因为 / 是为了 / 是想 ⋯⋯

Examples

• 我 之 所以 来 晚 了 是 因为 路上 堵车 。The reason he went to Greece was because he wanted to understand Western culture better.
• 我们 之 所以 没 告诉 你 是 因为 怕 你 担心 。The reason why I didn't tell you is that I'm afraid you would be worried.
• 公司 之 所以 录用 你 是 因为 你 有 更 多 行业 经验 。The reason why the company hired you is that you have more industrial experiece.
• 他 之 所以 去 希腊 是 想更好 地 了解 西方 文明 。The reason he went to Greece was that he wanted to understand western culture better.
• 我们 之 所以 要 保密 是 想 给 她 一 个 惊喜 。The reason why we need to keep it a secret is that we want to give her a surprise.

See also

• "Due to…" with "youyu"
• "Because" with "er" indicating effect
• Explaining results with "suoyi"
• Cause and effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi"

Sources and further reading

Books

• New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 93) →buy

HSK5