Comparison of '于是' (yúshì) and '因此' (yīncǐ)

Description

Both '于是' (yúshì) and '因此' (yīncǐ) are conjunctions used to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship in Chinese. However, they are used in slightly different contexts and have different nuances.

于是 (yúshì)

'于是' translates to "so" or "therefore." It is often used to indicate a natural consequence or result that follows from a previous action or situation. It suggests a sequential or immediate relationship between events.

Examples

• 他生病了，于是没去上班。(Tā shēngbìng le, yúshì méi qù shàngbān.) - He got sick, so he didn't go to work.
• 天开始下雨了，于是我们回家了。(Tiān kāishǐ xiàyǔ le, yúshì wǒmen huíjiā le.) - It started to rain, so we went home.

因此 (yīncǐ)

'因此' translates to "therefore" or "as a result." It is used to indicate a reason or cause leading to a consequence. '因此' often appears in more formal contexts and is used to make logical or explanatory connections.

Examples

• 天气预报说今天会下雨，因此我们取消了计划。(Tiānqì yùbào shuō jīntiān huì xiàyǔ, yīncǐ wǒmen qǔxiāo le jìhuà.) - The weather forecast said it would rain today, therefore we canceled our plans.
• 他努力工作，因此得到了晋升。(Tā nǔlì gōngzuò, yīncǐ dédào le jìnshēng.) - He worked hard, therefore he got a promotion.

Key Points

• '于是' (yúshì) means "so" or "therefore" and indicates a natural consequence or result. It suggests an immediate, sequential relationship.
• '因此' (yīncǐ) means "therefore" or "as a result" and indicates a reason or cause leading to a consequence. It is often used in more formal or logical contexts.
• Use '于是' for more immediate, sequential outcomes and '因此' for more formal, explanatory connections.