About

The word "之所以" is formed by combining three characters: "之", a classical particle that functions as a connective or possessive marker; "所", a particle that nominalizes verbs or indicates a relation; and "以", a preposition meaning "by" or "because of". When sequenced together, they create a fixed conjunctive phrase meaning "the reason why", typically used to introduce a causal clause in structures such as "之所以...是因为..." where it explicitly links an outcome to its explanation.

Example Sentences Hide

我之所以迟到是因为堵车。

Wǒ zhīsuǒyǐ chídào shì yīnwèi dǔchē.

I was late because of traffic.

他之所以成功是因为勤奋。

Tā zhīsuǒyǐ chénggōng shì yīnwèi qínfèn.

He succeeded because of diligence.

我们之所以选择这里是因为环境好。

Wǒmen zhīsuǒyǐ xuǎnzé zhèlǐ shì yīnwèi huánjìng hǎo.

We chose here because the environment is good.

这本书之所以受欢迎是因为内容有趣。

Zhè běn shū zhīsuǒyǐ shòu huānyíng shì yīnwèi nèiróng yǒuqù.

This book is popular because its content is interesting.

公司之所以决定扩大市场是因为看到了潜在需求。

Gōngsī zhīsuǒyǐ juédìng kuòdà shìchǎng shì yīnwèi kàndào le qiánzài xūqiú.

The company decided to expand the market because it saw potential demand.

Word Definition - 之所以

zhī suǒ yǐ the reason why; on account of which

Individual Character Details

之 zhī
所 suǒ
以 yǐ, yǐ, yǐ, yǐ