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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "the reason is because" with 之所以 (zhīsuǒyǐ)

    HSK 4
    Purpose & Reason

    Structure

    之所以 + Result, 是因为 + Cause

    Explanation

    之所以 is used to state a result or effect first, followed by the cause introduced with 是因为. This structure reverses the typical cause-effect order, emphasizing the reason behind something already known. It translates roughly to "the reason (this happened) is because…"

    Examples

    • 他之所以迟到，是因为路上堵车了。

      tā zhī suǒyǐ chídào, shì yīnwèi lù shàng dǔchē le.

      The reason he was late was that there was a traffic jam on the way.

    • 我之所以这么说，是因为我有亲身经历。

      wǒ zhī suǒyǐ zhème shuō, shì yīnwèi wǒ yǒu qīnshēn jīnglì.

      The reason I say this is that I have personal experience.

    • 她之所以成功，是因为她比别人更努力。

      tā zhī suǒyǐ chénggōng, shì yīnwèi tā bǐ biérén gèng nǔlì.

      The reason she succeeded is that she worked harder than others.

    Often Confused With