so; therefore; the reason
Meanings
5 senses · 12 examplesconjunction
so; therefore; as a result
Used in the second clause to indicate a result or consequence based on the preceding clause. Equivalent to 'so', 'therefore', or 'as a result'.
He is sick, so he didn't come to class today.
It rained heavily, so we canceled the outing.
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I like this book very much, so I read it twice.
conjunction
because; the reason why
Used in the first clause between the subject and predicate to introduce a situation, with the second clause giving the explanation (using '是因为' or similar). Also expressed as '之所以...是因为...' for emphasis.
The reason I know him quite well is that I've worked with him.
The reason he succeeded is that he worked very hard.
conjunction
this is the reason why; that's why
Used in the pattern '[Reason], 这就是 [subject] 所以 [result] 的原因/缘故' to explicitly state that the preceding clause is the cause for the situation mentioned in the '所以' clause.
I have worked with him, and this is the reason why I know him quite well.
He practices every day, and that's the reason why he improves quickly.
interjection
that's why!; so! (used to emphasize a point)
informalUsed alone as an interjection or exclamation to emphasize that the preceding statement explains the current situation. Often followed by particles like '呀' or '嘛'.
That's why! Otherwise, why would I say that?
"He didn't sleep well yesterday." "So, that's why he looks so tired today."
noun
real reason; proper course of action
literaryA classical or literary usage, now mostly limited to fixed idioms or set phrases, where it functions as an object.
He has forgotten himself, getting carried away with his success.
He was so excited that he didn't know what to do.
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This person's actions often leave people baffled.