缘
reason; fate; along
Meanings
6 senses · 30 examplesnoun
reason; cause; pretext
Refers to the cause or reason for something happening. Often used in compounds like 缘由 or 缘故.
He got angry for no reason.
Please tell me the reason for this matter.
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This is the reason behind it.
The reason for his departure remains unknown.
The reason is simple: he just forgot.
preposition
because of; due to; for
literaryLiterary usage equivalent to 因为. Often used in questions like 缘何 (why).
Why have you come here?
Because of what did this matter arise?
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Why leave so suddenly?
Why was he absent from the meeting?
Why such haste?
noun
fate; destiny; predestined affinity; luck
Refers to a predestined relationship or affinity between people, or between people and things. Often used in compounds like 缘分 or 姻缘.
We really have a special bond.
This is an indissoluble bond.
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They have a marital destiny.
He is very popular.
If fate exists, people will meet even from a thousand miles away.
preposition
along; following
literaryLiterary usage indicating movement along a path or line. Equivalent to 沿着 in modern Chinese.
Walking along the stream.
Going up along the river.
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Advancing along the road.
Walking along the wall.
Climbing along the mountain.
conjunction
because; for; since
literaryLiterary conjunction indicating cause or reason, equivalent to 因为. Often used in classical poetry.
Only because I am in this mountain.
I cannot tell the true face of Mount Lu, only because I am in the midst of the mountain.
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Arising because of this emotion.
Arising because of this matter.
Because of this reason.
noun
edge; border; margin; brink
Refers to the edge or border of something. Usually appears in compounds like 边缘.
The edge of the table is very smooth.
The edge of the cliff is dangerous.
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There are deer at the edge of the forest.
Grass grows at the water's edge.
Cars are parked by the side of the road.