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 / 为了 / 想 ⋯⋯

Examples

• 她 之 所以 问 这么 多 是 因为 她 关心 你们 。The reason she asked this much was because she cares about you guys.
• 我 之 所以 没 告诉 你 是 不 想 让 你 担心 。The reason why I didn't tell you is that I didn't want you to worry about it.
• 他 之 所以 放弃 了 那份 工作 是 因为 他 找到 了 更好 的 机会 。The reason why he gave up that job was that he found himself a better opportunity.
• 我们 之 所以 保密 是 想 给 她 一 个 惊喜 。The reason why we kept it a secret is that we wanted to give her a surprise.
• 公司 之 所以 花钱 培训 你们 是 想 让 你们 越来越 专业 。The reason why the company spends money on your training is to help you become more and more professional.

See also

• Expressing purpose with "weile"
• "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) Anything Goes (无所不谈) →buy

HSK5