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" traces its conceptual origin to the notion of a cause or source, with its contemporary form featuring a vertical stroke that pierces a rectangular enclosure. In classical usage, it primarily functioned as a noun denoting "reason" or "origin", which later extended into a grammatical role as a preposition meaning "from", "by", or "through". This development is reflected in its integration into compounds such as "由于" (due to) and syntactic patterns indicating derivation or agency, while its fundamental structural composition has remained unchanged.
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。