由於...因此...

Due to Hence

Level 4Sounds Like jau4 jyu1 . . . jan1 ci2 . . .

由於 (jau4 jyu1) introduces a cause, and 因此 (jan1 ci2) introduces the result. It is the formal equivalent of 因為...所以....

How It Works

1. Structure and Placement
The pattern follows a standard logical flow:

  • 由於 (jau4 jyu1) + [Cause]: Can be followed by a noun phrase or a full clause.
  • 因此 (jan1 ci2) + [Result]: Usually starts the second clause.

Example: 由於天氣惡劣，因此賽事需要取消。
(Due to adverse weather, therefore the match needs to be cancelled.)

2. Register and Nuance
Unlike the subjective feel of 因為, 由於 (jau4 jyu1) implies an external or objective reason. It is extremely common in written Cantonese and formal speeches. Using this while chatting with friends at a dai pai dong would sound overly stiff or 'bookish.'

3. Flexibility
In formal writing, these two do not always have to appear together. 由於 (jau4 jyu1) can introduce a cause in one sentence, and the next sentence can begin with 因此 (jan1 ci2) to link back to it. However, pairing them in a single sentence is the standard way to show a direct link.

4. Register Consistency
Because this is a high-register pattern, you should avoid using casual sentence-final particles like 囉 (lo1) or 㗎 (gaa3) at the end of the sentence. Stick to formal endings or no particles at all.

Examples (4)

  1. 由於預算不足，因此計劃被迫擱置。

    Due to insufficient budget, the plan was forced to be shelved.

    Word by Word: Due to budget not enough, therefore plan forced shelved.

    This demonstrates a formal business context where an objective reason (budget) leads to a result.

  2. 佢由於表現出色，因此獲得晉升。

    Owing to his outstanding performance, he received a promotion.

    Word by Word: He due to performance outstanding, therefore obtain promotion.

    Note that 由於 (jau4 jyu1) can appear after the subject (佢 keoi5) just like 因為.

  3. 由於交通擠塞，因此我遲咗少少。

    Due to traffic congestion, I am a little bit late.

    Word by Word: Due to traffic congestion, therefore I late a-little-bit.

    Even in slightly more personal contexts, using this pattern makes the explanation sound like a formal apology or report.

  4. 由於時間關係，因此我哋要結束。

    Due to time constraints, we have to end now.

    Word by Word: Due to time relationship, therefore we need end.

    This is a very common phrase used by hosts in formal events or broadcasts.

Common Mistakes

  • Mixing formal connectors with casual sentence particles.

    由於落雨，因此我唔去囉。
    由於落雨，因此我唔去。

    The particle 囉 (lo1) is very colloquial and clashes with the formal tone of 由於...因此. In formal speech, particles are often dropped or replaced with formal equivalents.

  • Pairing 由於 with the colloquial result marker 咁樣 (gam2 joeng2).

    由於佢病咗，咁樣佢冇返工。
    由於佢病咗，因此佢冇返工。

    咁樣 (gam2 joeng2) is strictly for casual speech. Formal causes require formal result markers like 因此 (jan1 ci2) or 所以.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

由於...因此...Level 4Due to Hence

Learn This First

The pattern 由於...因此... is a formal way to express causality. It functions identically to the colloquial 因為...所以... but uses more literary vocabulary. Learners should already be comfortable with basic sentence structures and the standard way of expressing 'because' and 'so' in everyday speech.

Words in This Pattern

由于因此