由于 (due to)
Meaning
The conjunction 由于 (yóuyú) means 'due to,' 'owing to,' or 'because of.' It introduces the cause or reason for a situation and is more formal than 因为, commonly appearing in written Chinese, news reports, and formal speech.
由于 is functionally similar to 因为 but carries a more formal, written register. It typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause to introduce the reason, with the result following in the second clause. Unlike 因为, which pairs naturally with 所以, 由于 does not require a fixed pairing — though it can optionally be followed by a result clause. One important difference is that 由于 tends to introduce objective, factual causes rather than personal reasons, making it preferred in news, academic writing, and official contexts. Learners sometimes confuse 由于 with 因为 in casual speech; while not strictly wrong, 由于 sounds overly formal in everyday conversation. In longer sentences, 由于 can also follow the subject when the cause applies to a specific person or entity.
Examples
- 由于天气不好，航班延误了三个小时。 Due to bad weather, the flight was delayed by three hours.
- 由于准备不足，这次考试他没考好。 Due to insufficient preparation, he didn't do well on this exam.
- 由于经费有限，这个项目暂时停了下来。 Due to limited funding, this project has been temporarily suspended.
Usage Guide
Context: written, formal, news
Tone: explanatory
Do Say
- 由于市场变化太快，公司调整了经营策略。
- 由于他长期努力，终于获得了这个奖项。
- 由于技术原因，今天的演出推迟到明天。
Don't Say
- 由于我想吃饭，所以去了餐厅。(由于 is too formal for everyday personal reasons — use 因为 for casual contexts) → 因为我想吃饭，所以去了餐厅。
- 他迟到由于堵车。(由于 should introduce the cause at the beginning of a clause, not after the result) → 由于堵车，他迟到了。
Origin & History
The word 由于 combines 由 (from, through) and 于 (at, in), literally suggesting 'arising from' or 'originating at.' It has been used in formal Chinese writing for centuries to introduce causal explanations.
Cultural Context
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Related Phrases
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