所以

• Pinyin: suǒ yǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 所 = 户 (door) + 斤 (axe), originally meaning 'a place'; 以 = pictographic origin, meaning 'by means of'

Meaning

So; therefore. A conjunction indicating a result or conclusion.

Used to introduce a result clause, often paired with 因为 (because) in the pattern 因为A，所以B. Unlike English 'so,' which can start a sentence independently, 所以 typically follows a stated or implied reason. One of the most essential conjunctions in Chinese for expressing cause and effect.

Examples

1. 今天下雨了，所以我没去公园。 It rained today, so I didn't go to the park.
2. 因为太累了，所以早点睡了。 Because I was too tired, I went to bed early.
3. 路上堵车，所以他迟到了。 There was a traffic jam, so he was late.

Usage Guide

Context: reasoning, cause and effect, everyday conversation

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他生病了，所以没来上课。(He is sick, so he didn't come to class.)
• 因为喜欢中国文化，所以我学中文。(Because I like Chinese culture, I study Chinese.)

Don't Say

• 不要把所以放在句子最开头而没有原因 (Don't use 所以 at the very start of a conversation without a preceding reason — unlike English 'so,' Chinese 所以 typically follows a stated reason or context)

Origin & History

所 (suǒ, that which/place) + 以 (yǐ, by means of). Originally a literary construction meaning 'the means by which,' it evolved into a common conjunction for expressing consequence.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal