由此

• Pinyin: yóu cǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 由 = pictograph of something emerging from a container; 此 = 止 + 匕, meaning 'this'

Meaning

From this; thereby; as a result. Used to indicate causation or derivation from a preceding point.

A formal connective phrase used in written Chinese and formal speech to show logical consequence or origin. Common patterns include 由此可见 (from this we can see), 由此产生 (arising from this), 由此引发 (triggered by this).

Examples

1. 他坚持每天锻炼，由此养成了健康的生活习惯。 He persisted in exercising daily, thereby developing healthy living habits.
2. 由此可见，教育对一个国家的发展至关重要。 From this we can see that education is crucial for a country's development.
3. 两国因领土争端由此引发了外交危机。 The territorial dispute between the two countries thereby triggered a diplomatic crisis.

Usage Guide

Context: academic writing, news, formal analysis

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 由此可见，问题比想象的严重。(From this we can see the problem is more serious than imagined.)
• 由此产生了许多误解。(Many misunderstandings arose from this.)

Don't Say

• 我由此去超市 (由此 is not used for physical direction — use 从这里 for 'from here')

Origin & History

Compound of 由 (from, by) and 此 (this). Classical Chinese construction meaning 'from this point.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated