所以 (suǒyǐ) — so; therefore

所以 (suǒyǐ)

所以 means "so" or "therefore." It introduces the result or conclusion that follows from the reason stated, often paired with 因为 (yīnwèi, because).

Meanings

1. [conjunction] So; therefore; as a result (introduces the consequence or conclusion clause).

Example Sentences

因为下雨，所以我没去。 Yīnwèi xià yǔ, suǒyǐ wǒ méi qù. Because it was raining, so I did not go.

他很努力，所以成绩很好。 Tā hěn nǔlì, suǒyǐ chéngjì hěn hǎo. He works very hard, so his grades are very good.

我不舒服，所以想早点回家。 Wǒ bù shūfu, suǒyǐ xiǎng zǎo diǎn huí jiā. I am not feeling well, so I want to go home earlier.

所以你是这样想的。 Suǒyǐ nǐ shì zhèyàng xiǎng de. So that is how you think about it.

Usage Notes

所以 and 因为 often work as a pair: 因为 introduces the reason, 所以 introduces the result. This pair is common in formal speech and writing. In casual conversation, either word can appear alone. When both are used together, the structure is: 因为 + [reason clause], 所以 + [result clause]. Compare with English — in Chinese you cannot use 因为 and 所以 in the same clause; they each head their own clause.

Collocations or Common Phrases

Memory Hook

所以 — "so" sounds like 所 — what follows is the logical "so" of the story.