因

• Pinyin: yīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 因 = 囗 (enclosure) + 大 (big) — a person on a mat, something to rely on

Meaning

Because of; due to; on account of. Also used as a conjunction meaning because or since.

A formal or literary way to express causation, often seen in written Chinese or formal speech. Commonly appears in compounds like 因为 (because), 因此 (therefore), 因素 (factor), and 原因 (reason). More concise than 因为 and preferred in formal documents.

Examples

1. 因天气原因，今天的航班已全部取消。 Due to weather conditions, all flights today have been cancelled.
2. 他因工作表现突出而获得晋升。 He was promoted because of his outstanding work performance.
3. 因时间有限，我们只能讨论最重要的议题。 Due to limited time, we can only discuss the most important issues.

Usage Guide

Context: announcements, formal writing, news

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 因个人原因，他决定辞职。(Due to personal reasons, he decided to resign.)
• 因故缺席。(Absent due to unforeseen circumstances.)

Don't Say

• 因我饿了，所以吃饭。(Too formal for casual speech — use 因为 in everyday conversation)

Origin & History

Originally meant a mat or cushion, depicting something to rely or depend on. Extended to mean relying on a cause or reason, hence 'because of.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal