所以 (suǒyǐ) — therefore; so

所以 (suǒyǐ)

所以 is a conjunction meaning "therefore," "so," or "as a result" -- it introduces a conclusion or consequence based on a reason given earlier.

Meanings

1. [conjunction] therefore; so; as a result; that is why

Example Sentences

他生病了，所以没来上班。 Tā shēngbìng le, suǒyǐ méi lái shàngbān. He was sick, so he didn't come to work.

因为下雨，所以我们取消了比赛。 Yīnwèi xià yǔ, suǒyǐ wǒmen qǔxiāole bǐsài. Because it was raining, we cancelled the match.

我很努力学习，所以考试考得很好。 Wǒ hěn nǔlì xuéxí, suǒyǐ kǎoshì kǎo de hěn hǎo. I studied hard, so I did well on the exam.

他不喜欢吃辣，所以点了清淡的菜。 Tā bù xǐhuān chī là, suǒyǐ diǎnle qīngdàn de cài. He doesn't like spicy food, so he ordered mild dishes.

Collocations

Usage Notes

所以 most commonly pairs with 因为 (yīnwèi = because) in the pattern 因为...所以... to form a cause-and-effect sentence. However, 所以 can also appear alone when the cause is already understood from context. In English, "so" at the start of a sentence is informal, but 所以 is neutral and appropriate in both spoken and written Chinese.

Memory Hook

SUO (所 = place/that which) + YI (以 = by means of): "by means of what came before" -- therefore, so.