Conjunction 因为...所以

This pattern uses two parts to build a complete thought. The first part is 因为, which means "because." This part introduces the reason or the cause. The second part is 所以, which means "so" or "therefore." This part introduces the result or the effect. In English, we usually pick one. We say "Because I was tired, I slept." Or we say "I was tired, so I slept." We almost never use both in one sentence. But in Chinese, using both is the gold standard. It feels balanced. It feels complete. It is like a burger bun. You need the top and the bottom to hold everything together. Using both parts helps your listener follow your logic easily. It signals exactly where the reason ends and the result begins.

1. 1Building this sentence is like following a simple recipe. Here are the steps:
2. 2Start with the word 因为 (yīnwèi).
3. 3State your reason or cause immediately after it.
4. 4Place a comma to give your listener a tiny breath.
5. 5Start the next clause with 所以 (suǒyǐ).
6. 6State the result or the action that happened.
7. 7For example: 因为 (Reason) + 所以 (Result).
8. 8因为天气好，所以我很高兴。 (Because the weather is good, so I am happy.)
9. 9Notice how the subject can move around. You can say 因为我 or 我因为. Both are usually fine. However, keeping the subject right after 因为 is the safest bet for beginners. It keeps your thoughts organized. Just remember: Reason first, Result second. It is a one-way street.

Use this whenever you want to explain a situation. It is perfect for real-world scenarios. Imagine you are ordering food. You might say, "Because I don't eat meat, so I want the tofu." 因为我不吃肉，所以我要豆腐。 It is great for asking directions too. "Because I am lost, so I need a map." In a job interview, you might use it to show off. "Because I love Chinese, so I study every day." It is also the best way to make excuses. "Because my alarm didn't ring, so I am late." (Though your boss might not like that one!) Use it when the connection between two facts isn't obvious. It helps you paint a clear picture for the person you are talking to. It is the "logic glue" of the Chinese language.

Don't use this for simple lists. If you are just saying things you like, you don't need it. For example, don't say "Because I like apples, so I like oranges." There is no cause and effect there! Also, avoid overusing it for very short, obvious statements in casual talk. If someone asks "Why are you eating?" and you say "Because I'm hungry," you can just say 因为我饿了. You don't always need the 所以 part in short answers. It can sound a bit too formal if you use the full pattern for every tiny thing. Think of it like a suit. It looks great at a wedding, but maybe don't wear it to buy milk at 2 AM. Use it when you want to be clear and complete.

The biggest mistake for English speakers is forgetting the 所以. In English, we say "Because it's raining, I'm staying home." If you say 因为下雨，我回家 in Chinese, it's okay, but it feels "naked." It feels like a song that ends too early. Always try to include 所以 to keep the balance. Another mistake is flipping the order. In English, we can say "I'm staying home because it's raining." In Chinese, you should stay with "Because [Reason], So [Result]." While you can technically flip it in advanced Chinese, it's much harder to get right. Stick to the standard order for now. Also, don't use 因为 and 但是 (but) together. That is a logic explosion that will confuse everyone. Yes, even native speakers mess this up when they are tired, but you can do better!

You might see 由于 (yóuyú) in books. This is just a fancy, formal version of 因为. You will see it in news reports or textbooks. For daily life, stick to 因为. You might also hear people just use 所以 by itself. This happens when the reason was already mentioned. If your friend sees you crying, you can just say 所以我不开心 (So I am unhappy). They already see the cause (you are crying). There is also 因为...才. This is used when the reason is the *only* way something happens. For example, "Only because you asked, I will go." That is a bit more advanced. For 90% of your daily needs, 因为...所以 is your best friend. It is the reliable old bicycle that gets you everywhere.