Chinese word

起因

Pronunciation

Pinyinqǐ yīn

Meaning

  • nouncause

Example

这场争论的起因是个误会。zhè chǎng zhēng lùn de qǐ yīn shì gè wù huì

The cause of this argument is a misunderstanding.

Illustration for 起因 (cause)

More examples

起因在于沟通不畅。qǐ yīn zài yú gōu tōng bú chàng

The cause lies in poor communication.

Core concept

The starting reason that sets an event in motion.

Common phrases

  • 问题的起因wèn tí de qǐ yīn

    cause of the problem

  • 起因在于qǐ yīn zài yú

    the cause lies in

  • 找不到起因zhǎo bú dào qǐ yīn

    cannot find the cause

Similar words

原因yuán yīn: The cause behind an event, result, or change.
理由lǐ yóu: A reason that explains why someone acts or makes a decision.

Definition in Chinese

导致某种结果或事件发生的起始原因或理由。dǎo zhì móu zhǒng jié guǒ huò shì jiàn fā shēng de qí shǐ yuán yīn huò lǐ yóu

Word origin

起因 (qǐyīn, "cause") combines 起 (qǐ, "begin") with 因 (yīn, "reason"), making a cause the beginning from which an event develops.

Usage tips

  • This noun has a formal, written tone, so it appears more naturally in reports and careful explanations than in casual conversation.

Opposites

Word lists with this word