Definitions
(preposition)
from; by; via; through
(preposition)
because of; due to
(verb)
to depend on; to be up to
Etymology
Depicts a kind of helmet worn by warriors. Based on the original meaning "helmet", now written as 胄. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.
About
The character 由 is composed of the field radical 田 with a vertical stroke rising through its top, evoking a sprout emerging from the earth. Its original meaning referred to a path, starting point, or physical origin, the place from which growth begins. This concept of origin later developed into abstract and grammatical uses, where it primarily functions as a preposition meaning "from", "by", or "through", indicating the source or cause of an action. It also serves as a noun denoting a reason, cause, or motive.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这件事由你决定。
由于下雨，比赛推迟了。
自由非常重要。
这个任务由我们团队完成。
由于交通堵塞，我迟到了。
失败的理由有很多。
由于努力学习，他取得了好成绩。
这个方案由多个部门联合制定，以确保其可行性和有效性。