[Learn advanced Chinese with vocab] How to Use 由於, 因此, and 然而

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How to use 由於, 因此, and 然而

由於 ♬, 因此 ♬, and 然而 ♬ are common in formal Chinese. They help connect cause, result, and contrast.

Expression	Main meaning	Use
由於	due to; because of	introduces the cause or reason
因此	therefore; as a result	introduces the result
然而	however	introduces a contrast or unexpected turn

1. 由於: introducing the cause

Use 由於 before the reason. It is more formal than 因為 and is common in reports, articles, and announcements.

Chinese	Pinyin	English
由於天氣不好，活動取消了。 ♬	Yóuyú tiānqì bù hǎo, huódòng qǔxiāo le.	Due to bad weather, the event was canceled.

2. 因此: introducing the result

Use 因此 before the result. It often appears after a reason has already been stated.

Chinese	Pinyin	English
資料不完整，因此我們需要重新確認。 ♬	Zīliào bù wánzhěng, yīncǐ wǒmen xūyào chóngxīn quèrèn.	The information is incomplete, so we need to confirm it again.

3. 然而: introducing contrast

Use 然而 to introduce a contrast. It is more formal than 但是 or 可是, and often appears in written Chinese.

Chinese	Pinyin	English
這個方法很簡單，然而效果有限。 ♬	Zhège fāngfǎ hěn jiǎndān, rán'ér xiàoguǒ yǒuxiàn.	This method is simple; however, its effect is limited.

A simple way to remember the difference: 由於 points to the reason, 因此 points to the result, and 然而 points to a contrast.

Useful words and example sentences