理由 (lǐyóu) — reason

HSK 3 | noun | reason, grounds, justification for an action or belief

理由 (lǐyóu)

理由 means reason, grounds, or justification. It refers to the logical basis or motive behind an action, decision, or argument.

Meanings

  1. [noun] Reason; grounds; justification; basis.

Example Sentences

你有什么理由迟到? Nǐ yǒu shénme lǐyóu chídào? What reason do you have for being late?

他给了我一个很好的理由。 Tā gěi le wǒ yīgè hěn hǎo de lǐyóu. He gave me a very good reason.

我没有理由拒绝他的邀请。 Wǒ méiyǒu lǐyóu jùjué tā de yāoqǐng. I have no reason to refuse his invitation.

你的理由不充分。 Nǐ de lǐyóu bù chōngfèn. Your reason is not sufficient.

Collocations

Collocation Meaning
有理由 to have reason to
没有理由 to have no reason to
充分的理由 sufficient reason
找理由 to find an excuse
说明理由 to state the reason

Memory Hook

理 means logic or principle, and 由 means cause or origin. A 理由 is the logical origin behind any action. If you cannot state your 理由, your argument has no foundation.