因而

• Pinyin: yīn ér
• Hanzi breakdown: 因 = 囗 (enclosure) + 大, cause/because; 而 = conjunction meaning 'and/thus'

Meaning

Therefore; as a result; consequently. A conjunction introducing a result or conclusion.

A formal connector used in written language to show cause and effect. More formal than 所以. Often appears in academic writing, news reports, and formal analysis. The preceding clause states the reason, and 因而 introduces the resulting situation.

Examples

1. 他准备充分，因而顺利通过了面试。 He was well-prepared and therefore passed the interview smoothly.
2. 这个地区交通不便，因而经济发展缓慢。 This region has poor transportation, and consequently its economic development is slow.
3. 公司缺乏创新，因而在竞争中逐渐落后。 The company lacked innovation and thus gradually fell behind in the competition.

Usage Guide

Context: academic writing, formal analysis, news

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 天气恶劣，因而航班取消了。(The weather was bad, so the flight was cancelled.)
• 他努力学习，因而成绩优秀。(He studied hard and therefore had excellent grades.)

Don't Say

• 因而我吃饭 (因而 introduces a result of something prior — can't start a sentence without context)

Origin & History

Compound of 因 (because, cause) and 而 (and, thus). Together they mean 'because of this and therefore.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated